1,2-Aryl and Heteroaryl Substituted Imidazolyl Compounds for the Treatment of Inflammation

This invention is in the field of antiinflammatory pharmaceutical agents and specifically relates to compounds, compositions and methods for treating inflammation and inflammation-associated disorders, such as arthritis.

Prostaglandins play a major role in the inflammation process and the inhibition of prostaglandin production, especially production of PGG.sub.2, PGH.sub.2 and PGE.sub.2, has been a common target of antiinflammatory drug discovery. However, common non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are active in reducing the prostaglandin-induced pain and swelling associated with the inflammation process are also active in affecting other prostaglandin-regulated processes not associated with the inflammation process. Thus, use of high doses of most common NSAIDs can produce severe side effects, including life threatening ulcers, that limit their therapeutic potential. An alternative to NSAIDs is the use of corticosteroids, which have even more drastic side effects, especially when long term therapy is involved.

Previous NSAIDs have been found to prevent the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting enzymes in the human arachidonic acid/prostaglandin pathway, including the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). The recent discovery of an inducible enzyme associated with inflammation (named "cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)" or "prostaglandin G/H synthase II") provides a viable target of inhibition which more effectively reduces inflammation and produces fewer and less drastic side effects.

The references below that disclose antiinflammatory activity, show continuing efforts to find a safe and effective antiinflammatory agent. The novel imidazoles disclosed herein are such:safe and also effective antiinflammatory agents furthering such efforts. The invention compounds are found to show usefulness in vivo as antiinflammatory agents with minimal side effects. The substituted imidazoles disclosed herein preferably selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 over cyclooxygenase-1.

Diaryl oxazoles have been described in WO patent publication WO94/27980 as having antiinflammatory activity. Substituted 3,4-diarylimidazoles have been described in WO95/00501 and in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/281,903.

2-Alkylimidazoles have been described as having angiotensin II activity. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,351 and WO 91/00277.

U.S. Patent No. 5,207,820 to Wriede et al. describes 1-arylimidazole carboxylic esters as herbicide safeners. Specifically, ethyl [1-[2,6-dinitro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-yl]carbox ylate is described.

WO 93/14082, published Jul. 22, 1993, describes 1-pyridyl-2-phenyl-imidazole derivatives for the treatment of interleukin-1 mediated diseases. 1-(4-Pyridyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methylimidazole is described. WO 95/02591, published Jan. 26, 1995, describe trisubstituted imidazoles for the treatment of cytokine mediated diseases.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,087, to Sarett et al., describes a method of nitration of imidazoles and specifically 1-methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5-nitroimidazole.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,532, to Ninomiya et al., describes imidazoles as an organic non-linear optical material. Specifically, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-[2-formyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]imidazole is described.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,682,949 and 3,719,759, to Sarett et al., describe 2-aryl-nitroimidazoles as agents for the treatment of parasites and bacteria. Specifically, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(4-sulfonamidophenyl)-5-nitroimidazole is described.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,805, to Takasugi et al., describes pyridylimidazoles as antiinflammatory agents. Specifically, 2-[2-methoxy-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-5-(3-pyridyl)imidazole is described.

A class of substituted imidazolyl compounds useful in treating inflammation-related disorders is defined by Formula I: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from aryl and heteroaryl, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals independently selected from alkylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl, halo, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkyl, cyano, carboxyl, alkoxycarbonyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkoxy, amino, alkylamino, arylamino and nitro;

wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, alkyl, haloalkyl, aralkyl, heterocycloalkyl, acyl, cyano, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylthioalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, cycloalkylthio, cycloalkylthioalkyl, cycloalkylsulfonyl, cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, cycloalkyloxyalkyl, haloalkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, halo, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, heterocyclocarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, cyanoalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, N-arylaminoalkyl, N-alkyl-N-arylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, haloalkylcarbonyl, carboxyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, N-alkoxy-N-alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonylalkyl, heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, heteroaryloxyalkyl, heteroarylthioalkyl, aralkoxy, aralkylthio, heteroaralkoxy, heteroaralkylthio, heteroarylalkylthioalkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, arylthioalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, arylthio, aryloxy, aralkylthioalkyl, aralkoxyalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl;

wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, alkyl and halo;

wherein R.sup.5 is selected from hydroxyl and alkoxy; and

wherein R.sup.6 is hydrido; or wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 together form a double bond;

provided at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is substituted with alkylsulfonyl or aminosulfonyl;

or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Compounds of Formula I would be useful for, but not limited to, the treatment of inflammation in a subject, and for treatment of other inflammation-associated disorders, such as, as an analgesic in the treatment of pain and headaches, or as an antipyretic for the treatment of fever. For example, compounds of Formula I would be useful to treat arthritis, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthopathies, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile arthritis. Such compounds of Formula I would be useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, tendinitis, bursitis, and skin related conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, burns and dermatitis. Compounds of Formula I also would be useful to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis and for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Compounds of Formula I would be useful in treating inflammation in such diseases as vascular diseases, migraine headaches, periarteritis nodosa, thyroidiris, aplastic anemia, Hodgkin's disease, sclerodoma, rheumatic fever, type I diabetes, myasthenia gravis, sarcoidosis, nephrotic syndrome, Behcet's syndrome, potymyositis, gingivitis, hypersensitivity, conjunctivitis, swelling occurring after injury, myocardial ischemia, and the like. The compounds are useful as anti-inflammatory agents, such as for the treatment of arthritis, with the additional benefit of having significantly less harmful side effects. Besides being useful for human treatment, these compounds are also useful for treatment of mammals, including horses, dogs, cats, rats, mice, sheep, pigs, etc.

The present invention preferably includes compounds which selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 over cyclooxygenase-1. Preferably, the compounds have a cyclooxygenase-2 IC.sub.50 equal to or less than about 0.2 .mu.M, and also have a selectivity ratio of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition over cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition of at least 50, and more preferably of at least 100. Even more preferably, the compounds have a cyclooxygenase-1 IC.sub.50 of greater than about 1.0 .mu.M, and more preferably of greater than 10 .mu.M. Such preferred selectivity may indicate an ability to reduce the incidence of common NSAID-induced side effects.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula I wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, benzofuryl, benzodioxolyl, furyl, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, indolyl, pyrimidinyl, quinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrazolyl and pyridyl, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals independently selected from lower alkylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl, halo, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkyl, cyano, carboxyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower haloalkyl, hydroxyl, lower alkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower haloalkoxy, amino, lower alkylamino, arylamino and nitro; wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower aralkyl, lower heterocycloalkyl, acyl, cyano, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfonyl, lower alkylsulfonylalkyl, lower cycloalkyloxy, lower cycloalkyloxyalkyl, lower cycloalkylthio, lower cycloalkylthioalkyl, lower cycloalkylsulfonyl, lower cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl, phenylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl, halo, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylcarbonyl, lower haloalkylcarbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, lower aralkylcarbonyl, lower heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclocarbonyl, lower cyanoalkyl, lower aminoalkyl, lower alkylaminoalkyl, lower N-arylaminoalkyl, lower N-alkyl-N-arylaminoalkyl, lower carboxyalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonylalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, lower alkylthioalkyl, aminocarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonyl, lower N-alkoxy-N-alkylaminocarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonylalkyl, lower aralkoxy, lower aralkylthio, lower heteroaralkoxy, lower heteroaralkylthio, lower heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, lower heteroarylalkylthioalkyl, lower heteroaryloxyalkyl, lower heteroarylthioalkyl, lower heteroaryloxy, lower heteroarylthio, lower arylthioalkyl, lower aryloxyalkyl, lower arylthio, lower aryloxy, lower aralkylthioalkyl, lower aralkoxyalkyl, aryl selected from phenyl and naphthyl, and 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl, wherein the aryl and heteroaryl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from halo, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkyl, cyano, lower haloalkyl, hydroxyl, lower alkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl and lower haloalkoxy; wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, lower alkyl and halo; and wherein R.sup.5 is selected from hydroxyl and lower alkoxy; wherein R.sup.6 is hydrido; or wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 together form a double bond; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula I wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, benzofuryl, benzodioxolyl, furyl, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, pyrimidinyl, quinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, indolyl, pyrazolyl and pyridyl, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals independently selected from methylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, fluoromethylsulfonyl, difluoromethylsulfonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, trifluoromethoxy, amino, methylamino, N,N-diethylamino, phenylamino and nitro; wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, phenylpropyl, furylmethyl, morpholinomethyl, pyrrolidinylmethyl, piperazinylmethyl, piperidinylmethyl, pyridylmethyl, thienylmethyl, formyl, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, methylthio, ethylthio, isopropylthio, methylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, isopropylthiomethyl, cyclohexylthiomethyl, methylsulfonylmethyl, benzyloxy, benzylthio, methylcarbonyl, butylcarbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, trifluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoromethylcarbonyl, fluoromethylcarbonyl, benzylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, cyanomethyl, cyanobutyl, aminomethyl, methylaminomethyl, N-phenylaminomethyl, N-methyl-N-phenylaminomethyl, acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylethyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, carboxymethyl, carboxypropyl, aminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonyl, N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl, N-methoxy-N-methylaminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonylmethyl, pyridyloxy, pyridylthio, phenyloxy, 4-chlorophenoxy, furylmethoxy, furylmethylthio, thienylmethoxy, quinolylmethoxy, pyridylmethoxy, thienylmethylthio, pyridylmethylthio, quinolylmethoxymethyl, furylbutoxyethyl, pyridyloxymethyl, pyridylmethoxymethyl, thienyloxyhexyl, thienylthiomethyl, pyridylthiohexyl, furyloxymethyl, furylmethylthiomethyl, quinolylmethylthioethyl, phenylthiomethyl, 2-chlorophenylthiomethyl, 2,6-dichlorophenylthiomethyl, 4-methylphenylthiomethyl, 2-isopropylphenylthiomethyl, 2,4,6-tri(isopropyl)phenylthiomethyl, phenyloxymethyl, 4-chlorophenyloxymethyl, 4-methylphenyloxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, 4-methoxybenzyloxymethyl, naphthyl, phenyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridyl, wherein the thienyl, furyl, pyridyl and phenyl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl and trifluoromethoxy; wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, fluoro, chloro and bromo; and wherein R.sup.5 is selected from hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and n-butoxy; wherein R.sup.6 is hydrido; or wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 together form a double bond; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Within Formula I there is a subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula II: ##STR3## wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, alkyl, haloalkyl, aralkyl, heterocycloalkyl, acyl, cyano, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylthioalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, cycloalkyloxyalkyl, cycloalkylthio, cycloalkylthioalkyl, cycloalkylsulfonyl, cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl, haloalkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, halo, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, heterocyclocarbonyl, heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, cyanoalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, N-arylaminoalkyl, N-alkyl-N-arylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, haloalkylcarbonyl, carboxyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonylalkyl, heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, heteroaryloxyalkyl, heteroarylthioalkyl, aralkoxy, aralkylthio, heteroaralkoxy, heteroaralkylthio, heteroarylalkylthioalkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, arylthioalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, arylthio, aryloxy, aralkylthioalkyl, aralkoxyalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, wherein the aryl and heteroaryl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from halo, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkyl, cyano, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and haloalkoxy; wherein R.sup.7 is a radical selected from alkyl, haloalkyl and amino; and wherein R.sup.8 is one or more radicals selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, haloalkoxy, alkylsulfinyl, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylamino, nitro and alkylthio; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula II wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower aralkyl, lower heterocycloalkyl, acyl, cyano, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfonyl, lower alkylsulfonylalkyl, phenylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl, lower cycloalkyloxy, lower cycloalkyloxyalkyl, lower cycloalkylthio, lower cycloalkylthioalkyl, lower cycloalkylsulfonyl, lower cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl, halo, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylcarbonyl, lower haloalkylcarbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, lower aralkylcarbonyl, lower heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclocarbonyl, lower cyanoalkyl, lower aminoalkyl, lower alkylaminoalkyl, lower N-arylaminoalkyl, lower N-alkyl-N-arylaminoalkyl, lower carboxyalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonylalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, lower alkylthioalkyl, aminocarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonylalkyl, lower N-alkoxy-N-alkylaminocarbonyl, lower aralkoxy, lower aralkylthio, lower heteroaralkoxy, lower heteroaralkylthio, lower heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, lower heteroarylalkylthioalkyl, lower heteroaryloxyalkyl, lower heteroarylthioalkyl, lower heteroaryloxy, lower heteroarylthio, lower arylthioalkyl, lower aryloxyalkyl, lower arylthio, lower aryloxy, lower aralkylthioalkyl, lower aralkoxyalkyl, aryl selected from phenyl and naphthyl, 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl, wherein the aryl and heteroaryl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from halo, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkyl, cyano, lower haloalkyl, hydroxyl, lower alkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl and lower haloalkoxy; wherein R.sup.7 is a radical selected from lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl and amino; and wherein R.sup.8 is a radical selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, amino, lower haloalkoxy, lower alkylsulfinyl, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylamino, nitro and lower alkylthio; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula II wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, phenylpropyl, furylmethyl, morpholinomethyl, pyrrolidinylmethyl, piperazinylmethyl, piperidinylmethyl, pyridylmethyl, thienylmethyl, formyl, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, methylthio, ethylthio, isopropylthio, methylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, isopropylthiomethyl, cyclohexylthiomethyl, methylsulfonylmethyl, benzyloxy, benzylthio, methylcarbonyl, butylcarbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, trifluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoromethylcarbonyl, fluoromethylcarbonyl, benzylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, cyanomethyl, cyanobutyl, aminomethyl, methylaminomethyl, N-phenylaminomethyl, N-methyl-N-phenylaminomethyl, acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylethyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, carboxymethyl, carboxypropyl, aminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonyl, N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl, N-methoxy-N-methylaminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonylmethyl, pyridyloxy, pyridylthio, phenyloxy, 4-chlorophenoxy, furylmethoxy, furylmethylthio, thienylmethoxy, quinolylmethoxy, pyridylmethoxy, thienylmethylthio, pyridylmethylthio, quinolylmethoxymethyl, furylbutoxyethyl, pyridyloxymethyl, pyridylmethoxymethyl, thienyloxyhexyl, thienylthiomethyl, pyridylthiohexyl, furyloxymethyl, furylmethylthiomethyl, quinolylmethylthioethyl, phenylthiomethyl, 2-chlorophenylthiomethyl, 2,6-dichlorophenylthiomethyl, 4-methylphenylthiomethyl, 2-isopropylphenylthiomethyl, 2,4,6-tri(isopropyl)phenylthiomethyl, phenyloxymethyl, 4-chlorophenyloxymethyl, 4-methylphenyloxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, 4-methoxybenzyloxymethyl, naphthyl, phenyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridyl, wherein the thienyl, furyl, pyridyl and phenyl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl and trifluoromethoxy; wherein R.sup.7 is methyl, fluoromethyl or amino; and wherein R.sup.8 is a radical selected from hydrido, methylsulfonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, trifluoromethoxy, amino, methylamino, N,N-diethylamino, phenylamino and nitro; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula II consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl) -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(4-methylphenoxy)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(methylthio)methyl]-1H-i midazole;

1,2-bis[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole;

4-[2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole-1-yl]benzenesulf onamide;

2-[4-(methylsulfinyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethy l)-1H-imidazole;

2-(5-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl )-1H-imidazole;

4-[2-(3-bromo-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzene sulfonamide;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole-4-carboxaldehy de;

2-(4-methoxy-2,5-dimethylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluorome thyl)-1H-imidazole;

2-4-chlorophenyl)-4-[[(4-methylphenyl)thiomethyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phen yl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-1-[4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl) -1H-imidazole;

2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imi dazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoromethyl)-1-[4-(methylsulsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

2-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imid azole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(phenylmethoxymethyl)-1H- imidazole;

4-[2-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonami de;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N,N-diethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole-4- carboxamide;

N,N-dimethyl-4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazo l-2-yl]benzenamine;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(methylsulfonyl)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]- 1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl](1-pyrroli dinyl)methanone;

2-[3-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trif luoromethyl)-1H-imidazole;

2-chloro-N,N-dimethyl-4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1 H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenamine;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[[(1-methylethyl)thio]methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phe nyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[[(cyclohexyl)thio]methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl -1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole;

2-[3-(methoxymethyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl )-1-H-imidazole;

2-fluoro-N,N-dimethyl-4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1 H-imidazol-2-yl]benzeneamine;

2-(3-bromophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imida zole;

4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[[(2-chlorophenyl)thio]methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)ph enyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3-nitrophenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imida zole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-methoxy-N-methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole-4carboxamide;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[[(2-methylphenyl)thio]methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)ph enyl-1H-imidazole;

N-methyl-4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]benzenamine;

3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzene amine;

N,N-dimethyl-3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazo l-2-yl]benzenamine;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole-4-methanamine;

N-methyl-3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)1H-imidazol-2-y l]benzenamine;

2-fluoro-N-methyl-4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-im idazol-2-yl]benzeneamine;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[[(2,6-dichlorophenyl) thio]methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[[(2-(1-methylethyl) phenyl]thio]methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[[2,4,6-tris(1-methylethy l)phenyl]thio]methyl]-1H-imidazole;

ethyl 5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole-4-ca rboxylate;

1-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]ethanon e;

1-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]-1-pent anone;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[3-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1 H-imidazole;

5-chloro-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl) -1H-imidazole;

4-[2-(3-bromophenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[[(2-chlorophenyl)thio]methyl]-1-[4-(methylsu lfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(3-chloro-5-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl )-1H-imidazole;

5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(4-methylphenoxy)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfony l)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

4-[2-(3-chloro-5-methylphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzene sulfonamide;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole-4-acetonitrile ;

2-(3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl )-1H-imidazole;

2-(3-fluoro-5-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl )-1H-imidazole;

4-[2-(3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole-4-acetic acid;

4-[2-(3-fluoro-5-methoxyphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidaz ole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-difluoromethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazo le;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidaz ole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole ;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phen yl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imid azole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenoxymethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol e;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl-1-[4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H -imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1 H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiomethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)ph enyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-quinolyl)methoxymethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol e;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl ]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole-4-methanol;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-formyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole-4-carbonitrile ;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexylcarbonyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol e;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylcarbonyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazo le;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzylcarbonyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazo le;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)4-(1-hydroxy-1-phenyl-methyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl ]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hexanol)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-octyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-butoxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methylthio-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-1 H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethylcarbonyl-1 H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-thienyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-furyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoro-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxyli c acid;

methyl[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]car boxylate;

[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxami de;

methyl[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]car boxamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-difluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-1-1-yl]ben zenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonami de;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenoxymethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiomethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]ben zenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-quinolyl)methoxymethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzene sulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-formyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyano-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexylcarbonyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylcarbonyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzylcarbonyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hydroxy-1-phenyl-methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hexanol)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-octyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-butoxy-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methylthio-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-thienyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-furyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoro-1H-imidazo1-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxylic acid;

methyl[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl) phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxylate;

[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxamid e;

methyl[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carb oxamide;

2-(3-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

2-(2-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

2-(4-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chloro-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl -1H-imidazole;

2-(3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

2-(3-fluoro-4-methylthiophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromet hyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(3-chloro-4-methylthiophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromet hyl -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-fluoro-3-methylthiophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromet hyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chloro-3-methylthiophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromet hyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluorome thyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluorome thyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluorome thyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-im idazole;

2-(3,5 -dichlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo le;

4-[2-(3-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(2-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

4-[2-(4-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chloro-3-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[2-(3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

4-[2-(3-chloro-4-methylthiophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3-fluoro-4-methylthiophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-fluoro-3-methylthiophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chloro-4-methylthiophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo-1-1-yl]ben zenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benz enesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benz enesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfona mide;

4-[2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfona mide;

ethyl [2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxyl ate;

ethyl [1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxyla te;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-1,3-ben zodioxole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imida zole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxy-3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxy-3-chlorophenyl)4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-bromophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo le;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo le;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-butylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo le;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(difluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl -1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H- imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxy-3,5-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluorome thyl-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methyl-3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromet hyl-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-im idazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-im idazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluorometho xy-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromet hyl-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluormethyl)-1H-im idazole;

1-[4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-aminophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazo le;

4-[2-(4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(4-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

5-[1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-1,3-benz odioxole;

4-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[2-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(4-methoxy-3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-methoxy-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-bromophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol -1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-butylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-[4-(difluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[2-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfo namide;

4-[2-(4-methoxy-3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]ben zenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-methyl-3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1-H-imidazol-1-yl]benz enesulfonamide;

4-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfona mide;

4-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfona mide;

8-[2-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]ben zenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfona mide; and

4-[2-(4-aminophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

Within Formula I there is a second subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula III: ##STR4## wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, alkyl, haloalkyl, aralkyl, heterocycloalkyl, acyl, cyano, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylthioalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, cycloalkylthio, cycloalkylthioalkyl, cycloalkylsulfonyl, cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, cycloalkyloxyalkyl, haloalkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, halo, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, heterocyclocarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, cyanoalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, N-arylaminoalkyl, N-alkyl-N-arylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, haloalkylcarbonyl, carboxyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, N-alkoxy-N-alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonylalkyl, heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, heteroaryloxyalkyl, heteroarylthioalkyl, aralkoxy, aralkylthio, heteroaralkoxy, heteroaralkylthio, heteroarylalkylthioalkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, arylthioalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, arylthio, aryloxy, aralkylthioalkyl, aralkoxyalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl; wherein the aryl and heteroaryl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from halo, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkyl, cyano, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and haloalkoxy; wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, alkyl and halo; wherein R.sup.9 is one or more radicals selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, haloalkoxy, alkylsulfinyl, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylamino, nitro and alkylthio; and wherein R.sup.10 is a radical selected from alkyl, haloalkyl and amino; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula III wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower aralkyl, lower heterocycloalkyl, lower heteroaralkyl, acyl, cyano, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl, halo, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylcarbonyl, lower haloalkylcarbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, lower aralkylcarbonyl, lower cyanoalkyl, lower aminoalkyl, lower alkylaminoalkyl, lower N-arylaminoalkyl, lower N-alkyl-N-arylaminoalkyl, lower carboxyalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonylalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, lower alkylthioalkyl, aminocarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonylalkyl, lower aralkoxy, lower aralkylthio, lower heteroaralkoxy, lower heteroaralkylthio, lower heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, lower heteroarylalkylthioalkyl, lower heteroaryloxyalkyl, lower heteroarylthioalkyl, lower heteroaryloxy, lower heteroarylthio, lower arylthioalkyl, lower aryloxyalkyl, lower arylthio, lower aryloxy, lower aralkylthioalkyl, lower aralkoxyalkyl, aryl selected from phenyl and naphthyl, 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl, wherein the aryl and heteroaryl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from halo, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkyl, cyano, lower haloalkyl, hydroxyl, lower alkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl and lower haloalkoxy; wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, lower alkyl and halo; wherein R.sup.9 is a radical selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, amino, lower haloalkoxy, lower alkylsulfinyl, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylamino, nitro and lower alkylthio; and wherein R.sup.10 is a radical selected from lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl and amino; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula III wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, phenylpropyl, furylmethyl, morpholinomethyl, pyrrolidinylmethyl, piperazinylmethyl, piperidinylmethyl, pyridylmethyl, thienylmethyl, formyl, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, methylthio, ethylthio, methylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzyloxy, benzylthio, methylcarbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, trifluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoromethylcarbonyl, fluoromethylcarbonyl, benzylcarbonyl, cyanomethyl, cyanobutyl, aminomethyl, methylaminomethyl, N-phenylaminomethyl, N-methyl-N-phenylaminomethyl, acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylethyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, aminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonylmethyl, pyridyloxy, pyridylthio, phenyloxy, 4-chlorophenoxy, furylmethoxy, furylmethylthio, thienylmethoxy, quinolylmethoxy, pyridylmethoxy, thienylmethylthio, pyridylmethylthio, quinolylmethoxymethyl, furylbutoxyethyl, pyridyloxymethyl, pyridylmethoxymethyl, thienyloxyhexyl, thienylthiomethyl, pyridylthiohexyl, furyloxymethyl, furylmethylthiomethyl, quinolylmethylthioethyl, phenylthiomethyl, phenyloxymethyl, 4-chlorophenyloxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, 4-methoxybenzyloxymethyl, naphthyl, phenyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridyl, wherein the thienyl, furyl, pyridyl and phenyl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl and tri fluoromethoxy; wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, fluoro, chloro and bromo; wherein R.sup.9 is a radical selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, methylenedioxy, amino, trifluoromethoxy, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, nitro, methylsulfinyl, butylsulfinyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, methylamino, methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio and butylthio; and wherein R.sup.10 is methyl, fluoromethyl or amino, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula III consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-[4(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenoxymethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol e;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiomethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)ph enyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-quinolyl)methoxymethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-formyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyano-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzyl -2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexylcarbonyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylcarbonyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzylcarbonyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hydroxy-2-phenyl-methyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hexanol)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-octyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-butoxy-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methylthio-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-thienyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-furyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxyli c acid;

methyl [1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxyl ate;

[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxami de;

methyl [1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxam ide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-difluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl -1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl -1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3 -fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol -2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonami de;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenoxymethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl -1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiomethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]ben zenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-quinolyl)methoxymethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzene sulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-formyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyano-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexylcarbonyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylcarbonyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzylcarbonyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hydroxy-2-phenyl-methyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hexanol)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-octyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-butoxy-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methylthio-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-thienyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxylic acid;

methyl[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4- yl]carboxylate;

[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxamid e;

methyl [1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxami de;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

5-[2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]-1,3-ben zodioxole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imida zole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methoxy-3-fluoromethyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methoxy-3chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l -1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-bromophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo le;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluormethyl-1H-imidazo le;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo le;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-butylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo le;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(difluoromethyl)phenyl]4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1 -[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methoxy-3,5-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluorome thyl-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methyl-3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromet hyl-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-im idazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-im idazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluorometho xy-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluorome thyl-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-im idazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazo le;

4-[1-(4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[1-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[1-(4-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

5-[2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl -1H-imidazol-1-yl]-1,3-benzodioxole;

4-[1-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-methoxy-3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[1-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-methoxy-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[1-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzene sulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-bromophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[1-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-butylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-[4-(difluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

4-[1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfo namide;

4-[1-(4-methoxy-3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]ben zenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-methyl-3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfona mide;

4-[1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfona mide;

4-[1-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]ben zenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfona mide; and

4-[1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

Within Formula I there is a third subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula IV: ##STR5## wherein R.sup.3 is selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aralkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, arylthioalkyl, N-aryl-N-alkylaminoalkyl, heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, heteroaryloxyalkyl, heteroaralkylthioalkyl, heteroarylthioalkyl and aryl optionally substituted at a substitutable position with halo, alkoxy and haloalkoxy; and wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, alkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula IV wherein R.sup.3 is selected from lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower aralkoxyalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower arylthioalkyl, lower aryloxyalkyl, lower N-aryl-N-alkylaminoalkyl, lower heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, lower heteroaralkylthioalkyl, lower heteroarylthioalkyl and aryl selected from naphthyl, phenyl and biphenyl, wherein the aryl radical is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with halo, lower alkoxy and lower haloalkoxy; and wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula IV wherein R.sup.3 is selected from methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, benzyloxymethyl, phenylthiomethyl, pyridylthiomethyl, pyridylmethylthiomethyl, phenyloxymethyl, 4-chlorophenyloxymethyl, N-phenyl-N-methylaminomethyl, quinolyloxymethyl and aryl selected from naphthyl and phenyl, wherein the aryl radical is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, methylenedioxy and trifluoromethoxy; and wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, methylenedioxy, methylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula IV consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imid azole;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazo 1-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imid azole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidaz ole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(2-naphthyl)-1H-imidazole ;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phen yl]-1H-imidazole;

2,4-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[4-(methoxy)chlorophenyl] -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl] -1H-imidazole;

2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl )-1H-imidazole;

4-[2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl) 1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-1,3-ben zodioxole;

2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl )-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(phenylthio)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]1H-im idazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(N-methyl -N-phenylamino)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(2-quinolylmethoxy)methy l]-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol e;

2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidaz ole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazole;

2-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-2-(4-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)p henyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazole; and

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl- 1H-imidazole.

Within Formula I there is a fourth subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula V: ##STR6## wherein R.sup.3 is selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, cycloalkylthioalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aralkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, arylthioalkyl, N-aryl-N-alkylaminoalkyl, heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, heterocyclocarbonyl, heteroaryloxyalkyl, N-alkoxy-N-alkylaminocarbonyl, heteroaralkylthioalkyl, heteroarylthioalkyl and aryl optionally substituted at a substitutable position with halo, alkoxy and haloalkoxy; and wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula V wherein R.sup.3 is selected from lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower aralkoxyalkyl, lower aryloxyalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower arylthioalkyl, lower heteroaralkylthioalkyl, lower heteroarylthioalkyl, lower N-aryl-N-alkylaminoalkyl, lower heteroarylalkoxyalkyl and aryl selected from naphthyl, phenyl and biphenyl, wherein the aryl radical is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with halo, lower alkoxy and lower haloalkoxy; and wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula V wherein R.sup.3 is selected from methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, benzyloxymethyl, phenylthiomethyl, pyridylthiomethyl, pyridylmethylthiomethyl, phenyloxymethyl, 4-chlorophenyloxymethyl, N-phenyl-N-methylaminomethyl, quinolyloxymethyl and aryl selected from naphthyl and phenyl, wherein the aryl radical is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, methylenedioxy and trifluoromethoxy; and wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, methylenedioxy, methylsulfonyl, fluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula V consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

4,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(t rifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole;

4,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxy-2,5-dimethylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl )phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole;

2-(5-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phen yl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(dimethylamino)-3-fluorophenyl]-4,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulf onyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-difluoromethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihyd ro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y -4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4, 5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1 -[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydro xy -4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenoxymethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4 ,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4 -hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4 -hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiomethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)ph enyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-quinolyl) methoxymethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidaz ole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl ]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4 ,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-formyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyano-1 -[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylethyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihyd ro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexylcarbonyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4 ,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylcarbonyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzylcarbonyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hydroxy1-phenyl-methyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl ]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1 -hexanol)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imid azole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-octyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihyd ro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dih ydro -1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-butoxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methylthio-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5- dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-thienyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-d ihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoro-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-i midazol-4-yl]carboxylic acid;

methyl[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl) -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxylate;

[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-i midazol-4-yl]carboxamide;

methyl[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o -1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-difluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl ]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenoxymethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-im idazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)methyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiomethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)methyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-quinolyl)methoxymethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-y l]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H -imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-y l]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-formyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyano-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol -1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexylcarbonyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-y l]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylcarbonyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzylcarbonyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hydroxy-1-phenyl-methyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hexanol)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfona mide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-octyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benz enesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-butoxy-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methylthio-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]b enzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-thienyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]be nzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoro-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-im idazol-4-yl]carboxylic acid;

methyl[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxylate;

[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-im idazol-4-yl]carboxamide;

methyl[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxamide;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]1-(4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl- 4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-2-yl]-1,3benzodioxole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxy-3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihyd ro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxy-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-bromophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-butylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(difluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-h ydroxy-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxy-3,5 -dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-methyl-3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromet hyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hyd roxy-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hyd roxy-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluorometho xy-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3,5 -dimethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imid azole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hyd roxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-aminophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

4-[2-(4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-i midazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

5-[1 -[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imid azol -2-yl]-1,3-benzodioxole;

4-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol -1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-methoxy-3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-methoxy-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H -imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-bromophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol -1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-butylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-[4-(difluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imid azol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-methoxy-3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazol -1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-methyl-3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidaz ol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidaz ol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(4-aminophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihyd ro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl -2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydro xy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4, 5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phen yl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenoxymethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4 ,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4 -hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4 -hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiomethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)ph enyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-quinolyl) methoxymethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4 ,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl ]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4 ,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-formyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyano-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihyd ro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

1-4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylethyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5- dihydro -1H-imidazole;

1-4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o -1H-imidazole;

1-4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexylcarbonyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4, 5-dihydro-1H imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylcarbonyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzylcarbonyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hydroxy-2-phenyl-methyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)pheny l]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hexanol)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imid azole;

1-4-chlorophenyl)-4-octyl-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazole;

1-4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

1-4-chlorophenyl)-4-butoxy-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihyd ro-1H-imidazole;

1-4-chlorophenyl)-4-methylthio-2-[4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-di hydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-thienyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-d ihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-pyridyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole;

[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-i midazol-4-yl]carboxylic acid;

methyl[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxylate;

[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-i midazol-4-yl]carboxamide;

methyl[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-difluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo-2-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl ]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol -2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenoxymethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-im idazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1 -(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)methyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imida zol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiomethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol- 2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)methyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-quinolyl)methoxymethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-y l]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1 -(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)methyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-im idazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-y l]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1 -(4-chlorophenyl)-4-formyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenes ulfonamide;

4-[1 -(4-chlorophenyl)-4-cyano-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[1 -(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hexylcarbonyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylcarbonyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-benzylcarbonyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hydroxy-2-phenyl-methyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-hexanol)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfona mide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-octyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benz enesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-butoxy-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methylthio-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]b enzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-thienyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-furyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]be nzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-fluoro-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-im idazol-4-yl]carboxylic acid;

methyl[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxylate;

[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-im idazol-4-yl]carboxamide;

methyl[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazol-4-yl]carboxamide;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl- 4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

5-[2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-1-yl]-1,3-benzodioxole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydrox y-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methoxy-3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihyd ro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methoxy-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-4-(trifluormethyl)phenyl-4,5-dihydro,1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-bromophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(1-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-butylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(difluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl -4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-h ydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methoxy-3,5-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluorome thyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-methyl-3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromet hyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hyd roxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hyd roxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluorometho xy-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-trifluorome thyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hyd roxy -4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole;

4-[1-(4-methylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-i midazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

5-[2-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-i midazol-1-yl]-1,3-benzodioxole;

4-[1-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-methoxy-3-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro2-1H -imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-methoxy-3-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H -imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-bromophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(1-chlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-ethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-butylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-[4-(difluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H- imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-butoxyphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imid azol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-methoxy-3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(4-methyl-3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidaz ol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidaz ol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydr o-1H-imidazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidaz ol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide; and

4-[1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2- yl]benzenesulfonamide.

Within Formula I there is a fifth subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula VI: ##STR7## wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, alkyl, haloalkyl, aralkyl, heterocycloalkyl, acyl, cyano, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylthioalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, cycloalkylthio, cycloalkylthioalkyl, cycloalkylsulfonyl, cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, cycloalkyloxyalkyl, haloalkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, halo, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, heterocyclocarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, cyanoalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, N-arylaminoalkyl, N-alkyl-N-arylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, haloalkylcarbonyl, carboxyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, N-alkoxy-N-alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonylalkyl, heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, heteroaryloxyalkyl, heteroarylthioalkyl, aralkoxy, aralkylthio, heteroaralkoxy, heteroaralkylthio, heteroarylalkylthioalkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio, arylthioalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, arylthio, aryloxy, aralkylthioalkyl, aralkoxyalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl; wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, alkyl and halo; and wherein R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are independently selected from aryl and heteroaryl, wherein R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals independently selected from alkylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, halo, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkyl, cyano, carboxyl, alkoxycarbonyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkoxy, amino, alkylamino, arylamino and nitro; provided at least one of R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 is substituted with alkylsulfonyl or aminosulfonyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula VI wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower aralkyl, lower heterocycloalkyl, lower heteroaralkyl, acyl, cyano, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl, halo, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylcarbonyl, lower haloalkylcarbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, lower aralkylcarbonyl, lower cyanoalkyl, lower aminoalkyl, lower alkylaminoalkyl, lower N-arylaminoalkyl, lower N-alkyl-N-arylaminoalkyl, lower carboxyalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonylalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, lower alkylthioalkyl, aminocarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonyl, lower alkylaminocarbonylalkyl, lower aralkoxy, lower aralkylthio, lower heteroaralkoxy, lower heteroaralkylthio, lower heteroarylalkoxyalkyl, lower heteroarylalkylthioalkyl, lower heteroaryloxyalkyl, lower heteroarylthioalkyl, lower heteroaryloxy, lower heteroarylthio, lower arylthioalkyl, lower aryloxyalkyl, lower arylthio, lower aryloxy, lower aralkylthioalkyl, lower aralkoxyalkyl, aryl selected from phenyl and naphthyl, 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl, wherein the aryl and heteroaryl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from halo, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkyl, cyano, lower haloalkyl, hydroxyl, lower alkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl and lower haloalkoxy; wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, lower alkyl and halo; and wherein R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are independently selected from phenyl, furyl, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, pyrimidinyl, quinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrazolyl and pyridyl, wherein R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals independently selected from lower methylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, lower alkylthio, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, and lower haloalkoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula VI wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, phenylpropyl, furylmethyl, morpholinomethyl, pyrrolidinylmethyl, piperazinylmethyl, piperidinylmethyl, pyridylmethyl, thienylmethyl, formyl, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, methylthio, ethylthio, isopropylthio, methylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, isopropylthiomethyl, cyclohexylthiomethyl, methylsulfonylmethyl, benzyloxy, benzylthio, methylcarbonyl, butylcarbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, trifluoromethylcarbonyl, difluoromethylcarbonyl, fluoromethylcarbonyl, benzylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, cyanomethyl, cyanobutyl, aminomethyl, methylaminomethyl, N-phenylaminomethyl, N-methyl-N-phenylaminomethyl, acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylethyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, carboxymethyl, carboxypropyl, aminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonyl, N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl, N-methoxy-N-methylaminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonylmethyl, pyridyloxy, pyridylthio, phenyloxy, 4-chlorophenoxy, furylmethoxy, furylmethylthio, thienylmethoxy, quinolylmethoxy, pyridylmethoxy, thienylmethylthio, pyridylmethylthio, quinolylmethoxymethyl, furylbutoxyethyl, pyridyloxymethyl, pyridylmethoxymethyl, thienyloxyhexyl, thienylthiomethyl, pyridylthiohexyl, furyloxymethyl, furylmethyl thiomethyl, quinolylmethylthioethyl, phenylthiomethyl, 2-chlorophenylthiomethyl, 2,6-dichlorophenylthiomethyl, 4-methylphenylthiomethyl, 2-isopropylphenylthiomethyl, 2,4,6-tri(isopropyl)phenylthiomethyl, phenyloxymethyl, 4-chlorophenyloxymethyl, 4-methylphenyloxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, 4-methoxybenzyloxymethyl, naphthyl, phenyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridyl, wherein the thienyl, furyl, pyridyl and phenyl radicals are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl and trifluoromethoxy; wherein R.sup.4 is a radical selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, fluoro, chloro and bromo; and wherein R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 is selected from phenyl, imidazolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, pyrimidinyl, quinolinyl, indolylbenzimidazolyl, pyrazolyl and pyridyl, wherein R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals independently selected from methylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, fluoromethylsulfonyl, difluoromethylsulfonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, trifluoromethoxy, amino, methylamino, N,N-diethylamino, phenylamino and nitro; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A class of compounds of even more particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula VI wherein R.sup.3 is a radical selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, and dichloropropyl; wherein R.sup.4 is hydrido; wherein R.sup.13 is phenyl optionally substituted with methylsulfonyl or aminosulfonyl; and wherein R.sup.14 is selected from imidazolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, pyrimidinyl, quinolinyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrazolyl and pyridyl, wherein R.sup.14 is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals independently selected from methylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, methylthio, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, and trifluoromethoxy; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula VI consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

1-methyl-3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl ]-1H-indole;

4-[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-yl]benzenesulfo namide;

2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]thioph ene;

3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]thioph ene;

4-[2-(5-methylpyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

2-methyl-3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

4-[2-(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(pyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide ;

3-fluoro-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

3-chloro-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

4-[2-(5-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(5-chloropyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

5-methyl-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

4-methyl-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

2-methoxy-6-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine;

5-methoxy-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine;

4-methoxy-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine;

2-chloro-6-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

5-chloro-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

4-chloro-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

2-fluoro-6-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

4-fluoro-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

4-fluoro-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

4-[2-(5-methylpyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(6-methoxypyridin -2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(5-methoxypyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

4-[2-(4-methoxypyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

4-[2-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(4-chloropyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(6-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

4-[2-(4-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

3-methoxy-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine;

3-[4-methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridi ne 1-oxide;

3-[4-[4-(fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridi ne;

5-[1-[4-(methyl sulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-2-(methylthio)pyrid ine;

3-[4-(difluoromethyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e;

4-[2-(5-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide;

4-[4-methyl-2-(3-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3-pyridinyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide 1-oxide;

4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(3-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3-pyridinyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide 1-oxide;

4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(3-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-[6-(methylthio)pyridin-3-yl]-4-trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

4-[4-(difluoromethyl)-2-(3-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridi ne;

2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e;

2-methyl-4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-y l]pyridine;

4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e;

2-methyl-6-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-y l]pyridine;

4-[2-(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamide;

2-methyl-3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridinium; iodide;

2-methyl-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine 1-oxide;

3-methyl-5-{1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine;

2-methoxy-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine;

2-[4-(4-fluorophenyl-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-im idazol-2-yl]pyridine; and

3-methyl-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol -2-yl]pyridine 1-oxide.

The term "hydrido" denotes a single hydrogen atom (H). This hydrido radical may be attached, for example, to an oxygen atom to form a hydroxyl radical or two hydrido radicals may be attached to a carbon atom to form a methylene (--CH2--)radical. Where used, either alone or within other terms such as "haloalkyl", "alkylsulfonyl", "alkoxyalkyl" and "hydroxyalkyl", the term "alkyl" embraces linear or branched radicals having one to about twenty carbon atoms or, preferably, one to about twelve carbon atoms. More preferred alkyl radicals are "lower alkyl" radicals having one to about ten carbon atoms. Most preferred are lower alkyl radicals having one to about six carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isoamyl, hexyl and the like. The term "halo" means halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The term "haloalkyl" embraces radicals wherein any one or more of the alkyl carbon atoms is substituted with halo as defined above. Specifically embraced are monohaloalkyl, dihaloalkyl and polyhaloalkyl radicals. A monohaloalkyl radical, for one example, may have either an iodo, bromo, chloro or fluoro atom within the radical. Dihalo and polyhaloalkyl radicals may have two or more of the same halo atoms or a combination of different halo radicals. "Lower haloalkyl" embraces radicals having 1-6 carbon atoms. Examples of haloalkyl radicals include fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl and dichloropropyl. The term "hydroxyalkyl" embraces linear or branched alkyl radicals having one to about ten carbon atoms any one of which may be substituted with one or more hydroxyl radicals. More preferred hydroxyalkyl radicals are "lower hydroxyalkyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms and one or more hydroxyl radicals. Examples of such radicals include hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxybutyl and hydroxyhexyl. The terms "alkoxy" and "alkoxyalkyl" embrace linear or branched oxy-containing radicals each having alkyl portions of one to about ten carbon atoms. More preferred alkoxy radicals are "lower alkoxy" radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy and tert-butoxy. The term "alkoxyalkyl" also embraces alkyl radicals having two or more alkoxy radicals attached to the alkyl radical, that is, to form monoalkoxyalkyl and dialkoxyalkyl radicals. More preferred alkoxyalkyl radicals are "lower alkoxyalkyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms and one or two alkoxy radicals. Examples of such radicals include methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxyethyl, methoxybutyl and methoxypropyl. The "alkoxy" or "alkoxyalkyl" radicals may be further substituted with one or more halo atoms, such as fluoro, chloro or bromo, to provide "haloalkoxy" or haloalkoxyalkyl radicals. More preferred haloalkoxy radicals are "lower haloalkoxy" radicals having one to six carbon atoms and one or more halo radicals. Examples of such radicals include fluoromethoxy, chloromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoroethoxy, fluoroethoxy and fluoropropoxy. The term "cyanoalkyl" embraces radicals having a cyano or nitrile (--CN) radical attached to an alkyl radicals as described above. More preferred cyanoalkyl radicals are "lower cyanoalkyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower cyanoalkyl radicals include cyanomethyl, cyanopropyl, cyanoethyl and cyanobutyl. The term "cycloalkyl" embraces saturated carbocyclic radicals having three to twelve carbon atoms. More preferred cycloalkyl radicals are "lower cycloalkyl" radicals having three to about eight carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. The term "aryl", alone or in combination, means a carbocyclic aromatic system containing one, two or three rings wherein such rings may be attached together in a pendent manner or may be fused. The term "aryl" embraces aromatic radicals such as phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indane and biphenyl. Such aryl radicals may be substituted at a substitutable position with one or more substituents selected from halo, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl alkyl, cyano, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroalkyl and haloalkoxy. The terms "heterocyclic" and "heterocyclic" embraces saturated, partially saturated and unsaturated heteroatom-containing ring-shaped radicals, where the heteroatoms may be selected from nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. Examples of saturated heterocyclic radicals include saturated 3 to 6-membered heteromonocylic group containing 1 to 4 nitrogen atoms [e.g. pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperidino, piperazinyl, etc.]; saturated 3 to 6-membered heteromonocyclic group containing 1 to 2 oxygen atoms and 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms [e.g. morpholinyl, etc.]; saturated 3to 6-membered heteromonocyclic group containing 1 to 2 sulfur atoms and 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms [e.g., thiazolidinyl, etc.]. Examples of partially saturated heterocyclic radicals include dihydrothiophene, dihydropyran, dihydrofuran and dihydrothiazole. The term "heteroaryl" embraces unsaturated heterocyclic radicals. Examples of unsaturated heterocyclic radicals, also termed "heteroaryl" radicals include unsaturated 3 to 6 membered heteromonocyclic group containing 1 to 4 nitrogen atoms, for example, pyrrolyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazolyl [e.g., 4H-1,2,4-triazolyl, 1H-1,2,3-triazolyl, 2H-1,2,3-triazolyl, etc.] tetrazolyl [e.g. 1H-tetrazolyl, 2H-tetrazolyl, etc.], etc.; unsaturated condensed heterocyclic group containing 1 to 5 nitrogen atoms, for example, indolyl, isoindolyl, indolizinyl, benzimidazolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, indazolyl, benzotriazolyl, tetrazolopyridazinyl [e.g., tetrazolo [1,5-b]pyridazinyl, etc.], etc.; unsaturated 3 to 6-membered heteromonocyclic group containing an oxygen atom, for example, pyranyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, etc.; unsaturated 3 to 6-membered heteromonocyclic group containing a sulfur atom, for example, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, etc.; unsaturated 3- to 6-membered heteromonocyclic group containing 1 to 2 oxygen atoms and 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms, for example, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl [e.g., 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, etc.]etc.; unsaturated condensed heterocyclic group containing 1 to 2 oxygen atoms and 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms [e.g. benzoxazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, etc.]; unsaturated 3 to 6-membered heteromonocyclic group containing 1 to 2 sulfur atoms and 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms, for example, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl [e.g., 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, etc.] etc.; unsaturated condensed heterocyclic group containing 1 to 2 sulfur atoms and 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms [e.g., benzothiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, etc.] and the like. The term also embraces radicals where heterocyclic radicals are fused with aryl radicals. Examples of such fused bicyclic radicals include benzofuran, benzothiophene, and the like. Said "heterocyclic group" may be substituted at a substitutable position with one or more substituents selected from halo, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkyl, cyano, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and haloalkoxy. More preferred heteroaryl radicals include five to six membered heteroaryl radicals. The term "heterocycloalkyl" embraces heterocyclic-substituted alkyl radicals. More preferred heterocycloalkyl radicals are "lower heterocycloalkyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms and a heterocyclic radical. Examples include such radicals as pyrrolidinylmethyl. The term "heteroarylalkyl" embraces heteroaryl-substituted alkyl radicals. More preferred heteroarylalkyl radicals are "lower heteroarylalkyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms and a heteroaryl radical. Examples include such heteroarylalkyl radicals such as pyridylmethyl and thienylmethyl. The term "alkylthio" embraces radicals containing a linear or branched alkyl radical, of one to about ten carbon atoms attached to a divalent sulfur atom. More preferred alkylthio radicals are "lower alkylthio" radicals having alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower alkylthio radicals are methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, butylthio and hexylthio. The term "alkylthioalkyl" embraces alkylthio radicals attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred alkylthioalkyl radicals are "lower alkylthioalkyl" radicals having alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms and an alkylthio radical as described above. Examples of such radicals include methylthiomethyl. The term "arylthio" embraces radicals containing an aryl radical, attached to a divalent sulfur atom, such as a phenylthio radical. The term "arylthioalkyl" embraces arylthio radicals attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred arylthioalkyl radicals are "lower arylthioalkyl" radicals having alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms and an arylthio radical as described above. Examples of such radicals include phenylthiomethyl. The term "alkylsulfinyl" embraces radicals containing a linear or branched alkyl radical, of one to ten carbon atoms, attached to a divalent --S(.dbd.O)-- radical. More preferred alkylsulfinyl radicals are "lower alkylsulfinyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower alkylsulfinyl radicals include methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, butylsulfinyl and hexylsulfinyl. The term "sulfonyl", whether used alone or linked to other terms such as alkylsulfonyl, denotes respectively divalent radicals "SO.sub.2 --. "Alkylsulfonyl" embraces alkyl radicals attached to a sulfonyl radical, where alkyl is defined as above. More preferred alkylsulfonyl radicals are "lower alkylsulfonyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower alkylsulfonyl radicals include methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl and propylsulfonyl. The "alkylsulfonyl" radicals may be further substituted with one or more halo atoms, such as fluoro, chloro or bromo, to provide "haloalkylsulfonyl" radicals. More preferred haloalkylsulfonyl radicals are "lower haloalkylsulfonyl" radicals having one or more halo atoms attached to lower alkylsulfonyl radicals as described above. Examples of such lower haloalkylsulfonyl radicals include fluoromethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and chloromethylsulfonyl. The term "arylsulfonyl" embraces aryl radicals as defined above, attached to a sulfonyl radical. Examples of such radicals include phenylsulfonyl. The terms "sulfamyl", "aminosulfonyl" and "sulfonamidyl" denotes NH.sub.2 O.sub.2 S--. The term "acyl" denotes a radical provided by the residue after removal of hydroxyl from an organic acid. Examples of such acyl radicals include formyl, alkanoyl and aroyl radicals. The terms "carboxy" or "carboxyl", whether used alone or with other terms, such as "carboxyalkyl", denotes--CO.sub.2 H. The term "carbonyl", whether used alone or with other terms, such as "alkoxycarbonyl", denotes --(C.dbd.O)--. The term "alkoxycarbonyl" means a radical containing an alkoxy radical, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom to a carbonyl radical. Preferably, "lower alkoxycarbonyl" embraces alkoxy radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such "lower alkoxycarbonyl" ester radicals include substituted or unsubstituted methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl and hexyloxycarbonyl. The term "aralkyl" embraces aryl-substituted alkyl radicals. Preferable aralkyl radicals are "lower aralkyl" radicals having aryl radicals attached to alkyl radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include benzyl, diphenylmethyl, triphenylmethyl, phenylethyl and diphenylethyl. The aryl in said aralkyl may be substituted at a substitutable position with one or more substituents selected from halo, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkyl, cyano, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and haloalkoxy. The terms benzyl and phenylmethyl are interchangeable. The terms "alkylcarbonyl", "arylcarbonyl" and "aralkylcarbonyl" include radicals having alkyl, aryl and aralkyl radicals, respectively, as defined above, attached via an oxygen atom to a carbonyl radical. More preferred alkylcarbonyl radicals are "lower alkylcarbonyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include methylcarbonyl and ethylcarbonyl. More preferred aralkylcarbonyl radicals are "lower aralkylcarbonyl" radicals having aryl radicals attached to alkyl radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such aralkylcarbonyl radicals include benzylcarbonyl. An example of an arylcarbonyl radical is phenylcarbonyl. The term "alkoxycarbonylalkyl" embraces radicals having "alkoxycarbonyl", as defined above substituted to an alkyl radical. More preferred alkoxycarbonylalkyl radicals are "lower alkoxycarbonylalkyl" having lower alkoxycarbonyl radicals as defined above attached to one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower alkoxycarbonylalkyl radicals include methoxycarbonylmethyl. The term "haloalkylcarbonyl" embraces radicals having a haloalkyl radical as described above attached to a carbonyl radical. More preferred radicals are "lower haloalkylcarbonyl" radicals where lower haloalkyl radicals, as described above are attached to a carbonyl radical. The terms "alkanoyl" or "carboxyalkyl" embrace radicals having a carboxy radical as defined above, attached to an alkyl radical. The alkanoyl radicals may be substituted or unsubstituted, such as formyl, acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, isobutanoyl, valeryl, isovaleryl, pivaloyl, hexanoyl or the like. The term "heteroaralkyl" embraces heteroaryl-substituted alkyl radicals. More preferred heteroaralkyl radicals are "lower heteroaralkyl" radicals having five to six membered heteroaryl radicals attached to one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include pyridylmethyl, quinolylmethyl, thienylmethyl, furylethyl and quinolylethyl. The heteroaryl in said heteroaralkyl may be additionally substituted with halo, alkyl, alkoxy, halkoalkyl and haloalkoxy. The term "aryloxy" embraces aryl radicals, as defined above, attached to an oxygen atom. Examples of such radicals include phenoxy. The term "heteroaryloxy" embraces heteroaryl radicals as defined above attached to an oxygen radical. More preferred heteroaryloxy radicals are "lower heteroaryloxy" radicals having five to six membered heteroaryl radicals. The term "aralkoxy" embraces oxy-containing aralkyl radicals attached through an oxygen atom to other radicals. The term "aralkoxyalkyl" embraces alkyl radicals having one or more aralkoxy radicals attached to the alkyl radical, that is, to form monoaralkyloxyalkyl and diaralkyloxyalkyl radicals. The "aralkoxy" or "aralkoxyalkyl" radicals may be further substituted on the aryl ring portion of the radical. More preferred aralkoxyalkyl radicals are "lower aralkoxyalkyl" having an alkoxy attached to one to six carbon atoms. Examples of lower aralkoxyalkyl radicals include benzyloxymethyl. The term "alkylsulfonylalkyl" embraces alkylsulfonyl radicals attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred alkylsulfonylalkyl radicals are "lower alkylsulfonylalkyl" radicals having alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms and an alkylsulfonyl radical as described above. Examples of such radicals include methylsulfonylmethyl. The term "alkylthioalkyl" embraces alkylthio radicals attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred alkylthioalkyl radicals are "lower alkylthioalkyl" radicals having alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms and an alkylthio radical as described above. Examples of such radicals include methylthiomethyl. The term "cycloalkylthio" embraces radicals containing a cycloalkyl radical, of three to about ten carbon atoms attached to a divalent sulfur atom. More preferred cycloalkylthio radicals are "lower cycloalkylthio" radicals having cycloalkyl radicals of four to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower cycloalkylthio radicals are cyclobutylthio, cyclopentylthio and cyclohexylthio. The term "cycloalkylthioalkyl" embraces radicals containing a cycloalkylthio radical, as described above, attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred cycloalkylthioalkyl radicals are "lower cycloalkylthioalkyl" radicals having cycloalkyl radicals of four to six carbon atoms and alkyl radicals of one to six carbons. The term "cycloalkylsulfonyl" embraces radicals containing a cycloalkyl radical, of three to about ten carbon atoms attached to a divalent sulfonyl radical. More preferred cycloalkylsulfonyl radicals are "lower cycloalkytsulfonyl" radicals having cycloalkyl radicals of four to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower cycloalkylsulfonyl radicals are cyclobutylsulfonyl, cyclopentylsulfonyl and cyclohexylsulfonyl. The term "cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl" embraces radicals containing a cycloalkylsulfonyl radicals, as described above, attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl radicals are "lower cycloalkylsulfonylalkyl" radicals having cycloalkyl radicals of four to six carbon atoms and alkyl radicals of one to six carbons. The term "cycloalkyloxy" embraces radicals containing a cycloalkyl radical, of three to about ten carbon atoms attached to a divalent oxygen atom. More preferred cycloalkyloxy radicals are "lower cycloalkyloxy" radicals having cycloalkyl radicals of four to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower cycloalkyloxy radicals are cyclobutyloxy, cyclopentyloxy and cyclohexyloxy. The term "cycloalkyloxyalkyl" embraces radicals containing a cycloalkyloxy radical, as described above, attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred cycloalkyloxyalkyl radicals are "lower cycloalkyloxyalkyl" radicals having cycloalkyl radicals of four to six carbon atoms and alkyl radicals of one to six carbons. The term "heteroarylthio" embraces radicals having heteroaryl radicals attached to a sulfur radical. More preferred heteroarylthio radicals are "lower heteroarylthio" radicals having five to six membered heteroaryl radicals. Examples of such radicals include 2 -furylthio, 2-thienylthio, 3-thienylthio, 4-pyridylthio and 3-pyridylthio. The term "alkoxyaralkoxyalkyl" embraces alkoxy substituted aralkoxyalkyl radicals. More preferred radicals have lower alkoxy substituted aralkoxyalkyl, where lower alkoxy is defined above. The term "heteroarylalkylthio" denotes radicals having an heteroaryl radical attached to an alkylthio radical. More preferred heteroarylalkylthio radicals are "lower heteroarylalkylthio" radicals having heteroaryl radicals attached to lower alkylthio radicals as described above. Examples of such radicals include furylmethylthiomethyl and quinolylmethylthioethyl. The term "heteroarylalkylthioalkyl" denotes radicals having an heteroaryl radical attached to an alkylthio radical further attached through the sulfur atom to an alkyl radical. More preferred heteroarylalkylthioalkyl are "lower heteroarylalkylthioalkyl" radicals having lower heteroarylalkyl radicals as described above. Examples of such radicals include furylmethylthiomethyl and quinolylmethylthioethyl. The term "heteroarylthioalkyl" denotes radicals having an heteroaryl radical attached to a sulfur atom further attached through the sulfur atom to an alkyl radical. More preferred heteroarylthioalkyl radicals are "lower heteroarylthioalkyl" having lower heteroarylthio radicals as described above. Examples of such radicals include thienylthiomethyl and pyridylthiohexyl. The term "aralkylthio" embraces radicals having aralkyl radicals attached to a bridging sulfur atom. More preferred aralkylthio radicals are "lower aralkylthio" radicals having the aryl radicals attached to one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include benzylthio and phenylethylthio. The term "aralkylthioalkyl" embraces radicals having aralkyl radicals attached to alkyl radicals through a bridging sulfur atom. More preferred aralkylthioalkyl radicals are "lower aralkylthioalkyl" radicals having the aralkylthio radicals attached to one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include benzylthiomethyl and phenylethylthiomethyl. The term "heteroaryloxyalkyl" denotes radicals having an heteroaryl radical attached to an oxygen atom further attached through the oxygen atom to an alkyl radical. More preferred heteroaryloxyalkyl radicals are "lower heteroaryloxyalkyl" radicals having five to six membered heteroaryl radicals. Examples of such radicals include furyloxyethyl, pyridyloxymethyl and thienyloxyhexyl. The term "aminoalkyl" embraces alkyl radicals substituted with amino radicals. More preferred aminoalkyl radicals are "lower aminoalkyl" having one to six carbon atoms. Examples include aminomethyl, aminoethyl and aminobutyl. The term "alkylaminoalkyl" embraces aminoalkyl radicals having the nitrogen atom substituted with at least one alkyl radical. More preferred alkylaminoalkyl radicals are "lower alkylaminoalkyl" having one to six carbon atoms attached to a lower aminoalkyl radical as described above. More preferred alkylamino radicals are "lower alkylamino" radicals having one or two alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms, attached to a nitrogen atom. The term "alkylamino" denotes amino groups which have been substituted with one or two alkyl radicals. Suitable "alkylamino" may be mono or dialkylamino such as N-methylamino, N-ethylamino, N,N-dimethylamino, N,N-diethylamino or the like. The term "alkylaminocarbonyl" embraces alkylamino radicals, as described above, to a carbonyl radical. More preferred alkylaminocarbonyl radicals are "lower alkylaminocarbonyl" having lower alkylamino radicals, as described above, attached to a carbonyl radical. Examples of such radicals include N-methylaminocarbonyl and N,N-dimethylcarbonyl. The term "arylamino" denotes amino groups which have been substituted with one or two aryl radicals, such as N-phenylamino. The "arylamino" radicals may be further substituted on the aryl ring portion of the radical. The terms "N-arylaminoalkyl" and "N-aryl-N-alkylaminoalkyl" denote amino groups which have been substituted with one aryl radical or one aryl and one alkyl radical, respectively, and having the amino group attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred arylaminoalkyl radicals are "lower arylaminoalkyl" having the arylamino radical attached to one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include N-phenylaminomethyl and N-phenyl-N-methylaminomethyl. The term "aminocarbonyl" denotes an amide group of the formula --C(.dbd.O)NH.sub.2. The term "alkylaminocarbonylalkyl" denotes an alkylaminocarbonyl group which is attached to an alkyl radical. More preferred are "lower alkylaminocarbonylalkyl" having lower alkylaminocarbonyl radicals as described above attached to one to six carbon atoms. The term "aryloxyalkyl" embraces alkyl radicals having one or more aryloxy radicals, aryl radicals attached to a divalent oxygen atom, attached to the alkyl radical, that is, to form monoaryloxyalkyl and diaryloxyalkyl radicals. The more preferred aryloxyalkyl radicals are "lower aryloxyalkyl" radicals having aryloxy radicals attached to one to six carbon atoms. Examples include phenoxymethyl. The term "heteroarylalkoxy" embraces radicals having one or more heterocyclic radicals attached to an alkoxy radical. More preferred heteroarylalkoxy radicals are "lower heteroarylalkoxy" radicals having five to six membered heteroaryl radicals. Examples of such radicals include 2-, 3-thienylmethoxy, 2-, 3-furylmethoxy and 2-, 3-, 4-pyridylmethoxy. The term "heteroarylalkoxyalkyl" embraces alkyl radicals having one or more heterocyclic radicals attached to an alkoxy radical, further attached to the alkyl radical. More preferred heteroarylalkoxyalkyl radicals are "lower heteroarylalkoxyalkyl" radicals having five to six membered heteroaryl radicals. Examples of such radicals include 2-thienylmethoxymethyl.

The present invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of Formula I in association with at least one pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, adjuvant or diluent.

The present invention also comprises a method of treating inflammation or inflammation-associated disorders in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject having such inflammation or disorder a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

Also included in the family of compounds of Formula I are the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. The term "pharmaceutically-acceptable salts" embraces salts commonly used to form alkali metal salts and to form addition salts of free acids or free bases. The nature of the salt is not critical, provided that it is pharmaceutically-acceptable. Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salts of compounds of Formula I may be prepared from an inorganic acid or from an organic acid. Examples of such inorganic acids are hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, carbonic, sulfuric and phosphoric acid. Appropriate organic acids may be selected from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic, heterocyclic, carboxylic and sulfonic classes of organic acids, example of which are formic, acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, gluconic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, glucuronic, maleic, fumaric, pyruvic, aspartic, glutamic, benzoic, anthranilic, mesylic, salicylic, p-hydroxybenzoic, phenylacetic, mandelic, embonic (pamoic), methanesulfonic, ethylsulfonic, benzenesulfonic, pantothenic, toluenesulfonic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, sulfanilic, stearic, cyclohexylaminosulfonic, algenic, .beta.-hydroxybutyric, salicylic, galactaric and galacturonic acid. Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable base addition salts of compounds of Formula I include metallic salts made from aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc or organic salts made from N,N'-dibenzylethylenediamine, choline, chloroprocaine, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumine (N-methylglucamine) and procaine. All of these salts may be prepared by conventional means from the corresponding compound of Formula I by reacting, for example, the appropriate acid or base with the compound of Formula I.

The compounds of the invention can be synthesized according to the following procedures of Schemes I-XIV, wherein the R.sup.1 -R.sup.14 substituents are as defined for Formula I-VI, above, except where further noted. ##STR8##

Scheme I shows the three step preparation of the 4,5-dihydro imidazoles 5 and substituted imidazoles 6 of the present invention. In step 1, the reaction of substituted nitriles (R.sup.2 CN) 1 with primary amines (R.sup.1 NH.sub.2) 2 in the presence of alkylaluminum reagents such as trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, dimethylaluminum chloride, diethylaluminum chloride in the presence of inert solvents such as toluene, benzene, and xylene, gives amidines 3. In step 2, the reaction of amidine 3 with 2-halo-ketones 4 (where X is Br or Cl) in the presence of bases, such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or hindered tertiary amines such as N,N'-diisopropylethylamine, gives the 4,5 -dihydroimidazoles 5 (where R.sup.5 is hydroxyl and R.sup.6 is hydrido). Some of the suitable solvents for this reaction are isopropanol, acetone and dimethylformamide. The reaction may be carried out at temperatures of about 20.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. In step 3 , the 4,5-dihydroimidazoles 5 may be dehydrated in the presence of an acid catalyst such as 4-toluenesulfonic acid or mineral acids to form the 1,2-disubstituted imidazoles 6 of the invention. Suitable solvents for this dehydration step are e.g., toluene, xylene and benzene. Trifluoroacetic acid can be used as solvent and catalyst for this dehydration step.

In some cases (e.g., where R.sup.3 =methyl or phenyl) the intermediate 5 may not be readily isolable. The reaction, under the conditions described above, proceeds to give the targeted imidazoles directly. ##STR9##

Scheme II shows alternative methods of forming amidines 3. Amidines 3 are also available by the two step conversion of amide 7 (R.sup.2 CONHR.sup.1 formed by the conversion of primary amine 2). In Step 1; the amide 7 is converted to the corresponding imidoyl chloride by treatment with a halogenating agent such as phosphorus oxychloride. In step two, treatment of the imidoyl chloride with ammonia forms the desired amidine 3. In addition, amidines 3 may also be obtained by conversion of primary amides 8 (e.g., R.sub.2 CONH.sub.2) or nitriles 1 (R.sup.2 CN) to their corresponding iminothioethers or iminoethers, (9 where x is sulfur and oxygen, respectively) followed by reaction with amine 2 R.sup.1 NH.sub.2. ##STR10##

Scheme III shows the two step method of preparing certain 2-halo-ketones 12 (compound 4 from Scheme I where X is bromo or chloro, R.sup.3 is --CH.sub.2 YR' [Y is oxygen, sulfur or --NH] and R.sup.4 is hydrido) which are not commercially available, from 1,2-dihalo-propenes 10. In step 1, 2,3-dichloro-1-propene 10 is added to a mixture of alcohol, amine or mercaptan (R'YH) and base, such as potassium carbonate in acetone, to form the 2-chloropropene 11, where R' is an alkyl or aryl group and Y is an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom. In step 2, the 2-chloropropene 11 is converted to 2-haloketones 12 via a method as described by H. E. Morton and M. R.Leanna (Tet. Letters, 34, 4481 (1993)). ##STR11##

Scheme IV shows a method of forming 2-chloropropenes 14 (compound 11 in Scheme III where Y is oxygen). The 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol 13 is added to a mixture of an alkyl; aralkyl or heteroaralkyl halide (XR') and base, such as potassium carbonate in acetone, to form the 2-chloropropene 14.

Alternatively, 2-chloropropenes 14 can be formed from the corresponding 2,3-dichloro-1-propenes 10 (Scheme III) by reaction with a metal alkoxide in an appropriate solvent. Sodium methoxide in methanol is an example of one such alkoxide and solvent. ##STR12##

Scheme V shows the three step preparation of 1,2 -diarylimidazoles 20 of the present invention. In step 1, the reaction of substituted benzonitriles 15 with substituted anilines 16 in the presence of alkylaluminum reagents such as trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, dimethylaluminum chloride, diethylaluminum chloride gives amidines 17. In step 2, the reaction of amidines 17 with haloketones 18 (compound 4 in Scheme I where x is Br or Cl and R.sup.4 is hydrido) in the presence of bases, such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or hindered tertiary amines such as N,N'-diisopropylethylamine, gives the 1,2-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-imidazoles 19. Some of the suitable solvents for this reaction are isopropanol, acetone and dimethylformamide. The reaction may be carried out at a temperature between about 20.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. In step 3, the 1,2-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-imidazoles 19 may be dehydrated in the presence of an acid catalyst such as 4-toluenesulfonic acid to form the 1,2-diarylimidazoles 20 of the present invention. Suitable solvents for this dehydration step are, for example, toluene, xylene and benzene. Trifluoroacetic acid can be used as solvent and catalyst for this dehydration step.

In some cases (e.g., where R.sup.3 is methyl or phenyl), the intermediate 19 may not be readily isolable. The reaction, under the conditions described above, proceeds to give the targeted imidazoles 20 directly, ##STR13##

Scheme VI shows the formation of 4-hydroxymethyl imidazoles 22 and 4-formyl-imidazoles 23 from benzyloxy-protected imidazoles 21 and from 4-carboalkoxy imidazoles 23. In step 1, the oxidative deprotection of 4-methoxybenzyl group in 21, such as with ceric ammonium nitrate, gives the hydroxymethyl imidazoles 22. Alternatively, the alkoxycarbonyl group of 23 may be reduced to the hydroxymethyl group. Suitable reducing agents include lithium borohydride. In step 2, the hydroxymethyl imidazoles 22 are oxidized, for example, with pyridinium chlorochromate, to give the 4-formyl-imidazoles 24. ##STR14##

Scheme VII shows the formation of 4-difluoromethyl-imidazoles 25 from 4-formyl-imidazoles 24. The 4-formyl-imidazoles 24 are converted to desired 4-difluoromethyl-imidazoles 25 by direct fluorination using the known reagents such as SF.sub.4 or diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (DAST). For discussion of the reaction and the representative procedures, see e.g., Organic Reactions, 34, 319 (1987), Organic Reactions, 35, 513 (1988), Organic Reactions, 21, 319 (1974) and Chem. Soc. Reviews, 16, 381 (1987), Alternatively, the imidazoles 25 can be synthesized by reaction of hydrazones of 24 with N-bromosuccinimide/pyridinium poly(hydrogen fluoride). This transformation has been developed by Olah and co-workers (see, Synlett, 594 (1990). ##STR15##

Scheme VIII shows the conversion of the 4-formyl-imidazoles 24 to 4-cyanoimidazoles 26. The 4-formyl-imidazoles 24 are converted to the target nitrile derivatives 26 by following the literature procedures [see, e.g., Chem. Letters, 773 (1984), Synthesis, 510 (1984), Tetrahedron Lett., 1781 (1976), Synthesis, 739 (1981), Synth. Communications, 18, 2179 (1988), Bull. Chem. Soc. Japan, 54, 1579 (1981), Synthesis, 201 (1985), Synthesis, 190 (1982), Synthesis, 56 (1979 ), and the references cited therein]. ##STR16##

Scheme IX shows other 1,2-diarylimidazoles that can be synthesized from the 4-formyl-imidazoles 24 in two steps. In step 1, the 4-formyl-imidazoles 24 are converted to carbinol derivatives (where R is aralkyl or alkyl) by addition of Grignard reagents (RMgBr). In step 2, the hydroxy derivatives 27 are reduced by catalytic hydrogenation (using e.g., Pd/C or Pt/C), preferably in the presence of a small amount of acid (e.g., acetic acid or aqueous HCl) to form the alkyl or aralkyl derivatives 28. Alternatively, the ketones 29 are synthesized by oxidation (e.g., using pyridinium chlorochromate) of the hydroxy derivatives 27. ##STR17##

Synthetic Scheme X shows the three step procedure used to prepare sulfonamide antiinflammatory agents 31 and the two step procedure used to prepare fluoromethyl sulfone antiinflammatory agents 32 from their corresponding methyl sulfones 30. In step one, THF solutions of the methyl sulfones 30 at -78.degree. C. are treated with an alkyllithium reagent, e.g., methyllithium, n-butyllithium, lithium diisopropylamide (LDA), etc. In step two, the anions generated in step one are treated with an organoborane, e.g., triethylborane, tributylborane, etc., at -78.degree. C. then allowed to warm to ambient temperature prior to stirring at reflux. An alternative to the boron chemistry involves room temperature alkylation, such as with trimethylsilylmethylhalides, followed by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1M in THF). In step three, an aqueous solution of sodium acetate and hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid is added to provide the corresponding sulfonamide antiinflammatory agents 31 of this invention. Alternatively, the anion solutions generated in step one may be warmed to 0.degree. C. and treated with N-fluorodibenzenesulfonamide to provide the corresponding fluoromethyl sulfone antiinflammatory agents 32 of this invention. ##STR18##

1-phenyl-2-heterocycloimidazoles of the current invention 37 are synthesized by following the generic synthesis shown above. The reaction of a substituted heterocyclonitrile 33 with substituted anilines 34 (where R.sup.b is as defined above for aryl and heteroaryl radicals) in the presence of alkylaluminum reagents such as trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, dimethylaluminum chloride, diethylaluminum chloride gives the amidine 35. The reaction of amidine 35 with a 2-halo-ketone derivative 18 (X'.dbd.Br or Cl) in the presence of bases such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or N,N'-diisopropylethylamine gives the alkylated product 36. Some of the suitable solvents for this reaction are i-propanol, acetone and dimethylformamide. The reaction may be carried out at 20.degree. to 90.degree. C. The intermediate 36 may be dehydrated in the presence of an acid catalyst such as 4-toluenesulfonic acid to give the targeted 1,2-diarylimidazoles 37. Suitable solvents for this dehydration step are e.g., toluene, xylene and benzene. Alternatively, trifluoroacetic acid may be used both as solvent and catalyst in this dehydartion step. ##STR19##

Scheme XlI shows a two step method of forming sulfonyl anilines 39 from nitro compounds 38. In step one, the 4-methylthio-nitrobenzene 38 is oxidized to the sulfone with an oxidizing reagent such as hydrogen peroxide, Oxone.RTM. or MCPBA. In step 2, the 4-methylsulfonyl-nitrobenzene is reduced to the corresponding aniline 39. ##STR20##

Synthetic Scheme XIII describes an alternative method of forming 1-aryl-2-pyridyl-imidazoles 44 from 4-alkylthioanilines 40. The reaction of a substituted cyanopyridine 33 (where R.sup.a is as defined above for aryl and heteroaryl radicals) with substituted anilines 40 in the presence of alkylaluminum reagents such as trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, dimethylaluminum chloride, diethylaluminum chloride gives the amidine 41. Alternatively, amidine 41 may be synthesized by reaction of aniline 40 first with a suitable base, and then with nitrile 33. Examples of suitable bases include sodium hydride, sodium methoxide, n-butyllithium and lithium diisopropylamide. These reactions may be run in solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane and methanol or the like. The reaction of amidine 41 with a 2-halo-ketone derivative 18 (X'=Br or Cl) in the presence of bases such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or N,N'-diisopropylethylamine gives the alkylated product 42. Some of the suitable solvents for this reaction are i-propanol, acetone and dimethylformamide. The reaction may be carried out at 20.degree. to 90.degree. C. The intermediate 42 is dehydrated in the presence of an acid catalyst such as 4-toluenesulfonic acid to give the 1-(4-alkylthio)aryl-2-pyridylimidazoles 43. Suitable solvents for this dehydration step are e.g., toluene, xylene and benzene. Oxidation of the alkylthio 43, with an oxidizing reagent such as hydrogen peroxide, Oxone.RTM. or MCPBA, yields the sulfones 44. ##STR21##

Scheme XIV shows a method of forming sulfones and sulfonamides 46 ofrom the corresponding 1-phenylimidazoles 45, where X is a leaving group such as halo. Treatment of 45 with base, such as butyl lithium, followed by addition of sulfur dioxide and a substituted alkyl or amine yields the corresponding sulfone or sulfonamide 46 (where R.sup.a is alkyl or amino).

The following examples contain detailed descriptions of the methods of preparation of compounds of Formula I-VI. These detailed descriptions fall within the scope, and serve to exemplify, the above described General Synthetic Procedures which form part of the invention. These detailed descriptions are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as a restriction on the scope of the invention. All parts are by weight and temperatures are in Degrees centigrade unless otherwise indicated. All compounds showed NMR spectra consistant with their assigned structures. In some cases, the assigned structures were confirmed by nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) experiments.

Step 1: Preparation of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (7 g, 41 mmol) in toluene (400 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 30.5 mL, 61 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 4-chlorobenzonitrile (11.3 g, 82 mmol) in toluene (200 mL) was added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 16 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 1000 mL). The intermediate was filtered and washed with more of hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (10.93 g, 86%) was used in the next reaction without further purification: mp (DSC) 191.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.14 H.sub.13 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 Cl: C, 54.46, H, 4.24, N, 9.07. Found: C, 54.42, H, 4.30, N, 9.07.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluorometh yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide from Step 1 (8 g, 26 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (4.36 g, 52 mmol) in isopropanol (240 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (5.4 mL, 52 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 75.degree.-80.degree. C. for 24 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (16.2 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 55/45) to give pure 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluorometh yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (6.7 g, 62%) as a white solid: Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 SO.sub.3 ClF.sub.3 : C, 48.75, H, 3.37, N, 6.69. Found: C, 48.56, H, 3.22, N, 6.51.

A mixture of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluorometh yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole from Example 1 (6.2 g, 15.4 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.9 g, 4.7 mmol) in toluene (300 mL) was heated to reflux for 84 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentrating in vacuo, the crude mixture was chromatographed on silica gel using hexane/ethyl acetate (1/1) to give pure 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imi dazole (4.21 g, 71%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 183.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.12 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 Cl: C, 50.94, H, 3.02, N, 6.99. Found: C, 50.64, H, 3.03, N, 6.85.

Step 1: Preparation of 4-methylsulfonyl-N-[4-chlorophenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-fluoroaniline (4 mL, 40 mmol) in toluene (120 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 21 mL, 42 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 3 hours. A solution of 4-(methylsulfonyl)benzonitrile (7.65 g, 40 mmol) in methylene chloride (100 mL) was added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was heated to 70.degree.-75.degree. C. After 48 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated in vacuo and the resulting crude intermediate (7.7 g) was chromatographed [silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 25/75] to give 4-methylsulfonyl-N-[4-chlorophenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (4.1 g, 35%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 182.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.14 H.sub.13 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 F: C, 57.52, H, 4.48, N, 9.58, S, 10.97. Found: C, 57.37, H, 4.69, N, 9.21, S, 10.69.

Step 2: Preparation of 1-4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethy l)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-methylsulfonyl-N-[4-chlorophenyl]benzenecarboximidamide from Step 1 (1 g, 3.42 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (575 mg, 6.85 mmol) in isopropanol (30 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (5.g, 25 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 80.degree.-90.degree. C. for 24 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (2.34 g) was chromatographed [silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 1/1] to give 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluorometh yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (650 mg, 47%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 209.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 SO.sub.3 F.sub.4 : C, 50.75, H, 3.51, N, 6.96. Found: C, 51.11, H, 3.86, N, 6.57.

A mixture of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluorometh yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (Example 3) (770 mg, 1.9 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (88 mg) in toluene (80 mL) was heated to reflux for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture (520 mg) was chromatographed on silica gel using hexane/ethyl acetate (1/1) to give pure 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imi dazole (328 mg, 44%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 183.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.12 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 F.sub.4 : C, 53.13, H, 3.15, N, 7.29. Found: C, 53.20, H, 3.22, N, 7.18.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (240 mg, 0.78 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (131 mg, 1.56 mmol) in isopropanol (20 mL), excess chloroacetone (1.5 mL) was added. After heating to reflux, the reaction mixture for 72 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (370 mg) was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 25/75) to give pure 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-1H-imidazole (160 mg, 67%): mp (DSC) 166.degree. C. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.15 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 Cl C, 58.87, H, 4.36, N, 8.08 Found: C, 58.78, H, 4.62, N, 7.99.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (400 mg, 1.29 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (216 mg, 2.59 mmol) in isopropanol (25 mL), 2-bromoacetophenone (780 mg, 3.87 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 55.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (1.2 g) was chromatographed on silica gel with toluene/ethyl acetate (75/25) to give pure 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl-1H-imidazole (300 mg, 57%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 202.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.17 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 Cl: C, 63.78, H, 4.28, N, 6.76, S, 7.74. Found: C, 63.69, H, 4.11, N, 6.68, S, 7.65. ##STR28##

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (400 mg, 1.29 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (216 mg, 2.59 mmol) in isopropanol (25 mL), 2-chloro-4'-fluoroacetophenone (670 mg, 3.87 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 48 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (800 mg) was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 1/1) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl) -4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole (200 mg, 36%) as a pale yellow solid: mp (DSC) 180.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 FCl: C, 61.90, H, 3.78, N, 6.56, S, 7.51. Found: C, 61.92, H, 3.74, N, 6.43, S, 7.62.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (400 mg, 1.29 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (216 mg, 2.59 mmol) in isopropanol (30 mL), 2,4'-dibromoacetophenone (720 mg, 2.58 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 18 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (810 mg) was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 6/4) to give 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imida zole (400 mg, 64%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 145.degree.-48.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 BrCl: C, 54.17, H, 3.31, N, 5.74, S, 6.57. Found: C, 54.41, H, 3.33, N, 5.50, S, 6.52.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (400 mg, 1.29 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (216 mg, 2.59 mmol) in isopropanol (30 mL), 2-bromo-2'-acetonaphthone (970 mg, 3.89 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (1.2 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 6/4) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(2-naphthyl)-1H-imi dazole (318 mg, 54%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 204.degree.-206.degree. C. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.19 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 Cl: C, 68.04, H, 4.17, N, 6.10, S, 6.99. Found: C, 67.65, H, 4.19, N, 5.96, S, 7.10.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (700 mg, 2.24 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (376 mg, 4.48 mmol) in isopropanol (25 mL), 4-trifluoromethoxy)phenacyl bromide (950 mg, 3.36 mmol) was added. After heating=the reaction mixture at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 22 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined,:dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 4) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phe nyl]-1H-imidazole (467 mg, 42%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 95.degree.-97.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 SO.sub.3 F.sub.3 Cl: C, 56.05, H, 3.27, N, 5.68, S, 6.51. Found: C, 55.90, H, 3.04, N, 5.62, S, 6.74.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (700 mg, 2.24 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (376 mg, 4.48 mmol) in isopropanol (30 mL), 4-chlorophenacyl bromide (1.05 g, 4.48 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 18 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 6/4) to give 2,4-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole (545 mg, 55%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 169.degree.-171.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 Cl.sub.12 : C, 59.60, H, 3.64, N, 6.32, S, 7.23. Found: C, 59.86, H, 3.80, N, 6.10, S, 7.27.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (700 mg, 2.24 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (376 mg, 4.48 mmol) in isopropanol (35 mL), 3-chlorophenacyl bromide (1.05 g, 4.48 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 18 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 6/4) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imid azole (525 mg, 53%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 156.degree.-159.degree. C. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 : C, 59.60, H, 3.69, N, 6.32, S, 7.23. Found: C, 59.43, H, 3.59, N, 6.15, S, 7.16.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (700 mg, 2.24 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (376 mg, 4.48 mmol) in isopropanol (50 mL), 4-methoxyphenacyl bromide (1.03 g, 4.48 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 75.degree.-80.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 6/4) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(4-m ethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole (695 mg, 71%) as a white solid: mp 110.degree.-113.degree. C. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.19 N.sub.2 SO.sub.3 Cl: C, 62.94, H, 4.36, N, 6.38, S, 7.30. Found: C, 62.54, H, 4.43, N, 6.17, S, 7.15.

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (700 mg, 2.24 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (376 mg, 4.48 mmol) in isopropanol (30 mL), 3-fluorophenacyl bromide (0.97 g, 4.48 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 75.degree.-80.degree. C. for 18 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 6/4) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imid azole (481 mg, 50%) as a white solid: mp 194.degree.-196.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 FCl: C, 61.90, H, 3.78, N, 6.56, S, 7.51. Found: C, 61.71, H, 3.59, N, 6.42, S, 7.69.

Step 1: Preparation of 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-chloro-2-propene

To a mixture of 4-chlorophenol (6.1 g, 47.4 mmol) and potassium carbonate (13.1 g, 94.7 mmol) in acetone (200 mL), 2,3-dichloropropene (6.6 mL, 71 mmol) was added. After heating to reflux the reaction mixture for 48 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with more acetone and the combined filtrates were concentrated in vacuo. The crude pale brown liquid (11.5 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 85/15) to give 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-chloro-2-propene (8.9 g, 98%) as a white liquid: Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.9 H.sub.8 OCl.sub.2 : C, 53.23, H, 3.97. Found: C, 53.09, H, 3.95.

Step 2: Preparation of 1-bromo-3-[(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]-2-propanone

To a turbid solution of 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-chloro-2-propene from Step 1 (3 g, 15.7 mmol) in acetonitrile/water (4/1, 100 mL), N-bromosuccinimide (4.84 g, 31.4 mmol) was added in one lot. A catalytic amount of 48% HBr (40 .mu.l) was added to the reaction and the yellowish orange mixture was stirred at room temperature. After 24 hours, the reaction mixture was diluted with ether and washed with 5% w/v of sodium thiosulfate. The organic layer was separated and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (MgSO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude liquid (4.8 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate, 80/20) to give crude 1-bromo-3-[(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]-2-propanone (2.3 g, 54%) which was used in the next step without further purification.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(4-chlorophen oxy)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (1 g, 3.24 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (550 mg, 6.5 mmol) in acetone (100 mL), 1-bromo-3-[(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]-2-propanone from Step 2 (1.5 g, 5.8 mmol) was added. After heating to reflux for 24 hours, the reaction mixture was filtered, washed with acetone and concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture (2.5 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 1/1) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(4-chlorophen oxy)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (565 mg, 35%) as a white solid.

Step 4: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl ]-1H-imidazole

A mixture of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(4-chlorophen oxy)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole from Step 3 (750 mg, 1.5 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (135 mg) in toluene (100 mL) was heated to reflux for 48 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture was chromatographed on silica gel using hexane/ethyl acetate (1/1) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl ]-1H-imidazole as a white solid: mp (DSC) 173.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd for C.sub.23 H.sub.18 N.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 SO.sub.3.0.25 H.sub.2 O: C, 57.81; H, 3.90; N, 5.86; Cl, 14.84. Found: C, 57.67; H, 3.83; N, 5.52; Cl, 15.17.

Step 1: Preparation of 3-Chloro-4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (2.82 g, 16.5 mmol) in toluene (150 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 12.5 mL, 24.7 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 3-chloro-4-methylbenzonitrile (5 g, 33 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) was added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was heated to 90.degree.-95.degree. C. After 20 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (2/1). The combined filtrates were concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 700 mL). The intermediate was filtered and washed with more of hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid 3-chloro-4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (4.7 g, 88%) was used in the next reaction without further purification: mp (DSC) 179.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.15 H.sub.15 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 Cl: C, 55.81, H, 4.68, N, 8.68. Found: C, 55.65, H, 4.63, N, 8.59.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trif luoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 3-chloro-4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide from Step 1 (2.35 g, 7.3 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (1.23 g, 14.6 mmol) in isopropanol (100 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (5.4 mL, 52 mmol) was added. After heating to reflux the reaction mixture for 24 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture (7.3 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 1/1) to give 2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trif luoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (0.79 g, 25%) as a white solid: mp 201.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.18 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 SO.sub.3 F.sub.3 Cl.0.5 PhCH.sub.3 : C, 53.92, H, 4.21, N, 5.81. Found: C, 54.20, H, 4.19, N, 5.67.

Step 3 : Preparation of 2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethy l)-1H-imidazole

A mixture of 2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trif luoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole from Step 2 (725 mg, 1.7 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (150 mg) in toluene (40 mL) was heated to reflux for 48 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture (860 mg) was chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate 1/1 to give pure 2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethy l)-1H-imidazole (660 mg, 95%) as a white solid: mp(DSC) 206.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.18 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 Cl: C, 52.12, H, 3.40, N, 6.75, S, 7.73. Found: C, 52.24, H, 3.45, N, 6.64, S, 7.83.

Step 1: Preparation of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of (4-methylsulfonyl)aniline (2.82 g, 16.5 mmol) in toluene (150 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 12.5 mL, 24.7 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of piperonylonitrile (4.85 g, 33 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) was added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was heated to 90.degree.-95.degree. C. After 20 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (2/1).The combined filtrates were concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 1000 mL). The product was filtered and washed with more of hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (4.8g, 91%) was used in the next reaction without further purification: mp (DSC) 214.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.15 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 SO.sub.4 : C, 56.59, H, 4.43, N, 8.80. Found: C, 56.33, H, 4.28, N, 8.66.

Step 2: Preparation of 5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-hydroxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazol-2-1yl]-1,3-benzodioxole

To a mixture of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide from Step 1 (2.32 g, 7.3 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (1.23 g, 14.6 mmol) in isopropanol (100 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (5.4 mL, 52 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture to reflux for 24 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture (7.1 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 1/1) to give 5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-hydroxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazol-2-yl]-1,3-benzodioxole (1.46 g, 47%) as a white solid: mp 200.degree.-202.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.18 H.sub.15 N.sub.2 SO.sub.5 F.sub.3.0.25 PhCH.sub.3 : C, 52.55, H, 3.80, N, 6.21. Found: C, 52.73, H, 3.78, N, 6.01.

Step 3: Preparation of 5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-1,3-benzodioxole

A mixture of 5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-hydroxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazol-2-yl]-1,3-benzodioxole from Step 2 (1.26 g, 2.9 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (200 mg) in toluene (50 mL) was heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture (1.34 g) was chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate 1/1 to give pure 5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-1,3-b enzodioxole (940 mg, 80%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 165.degree. C. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.18 H.sub.13 N.sub.2 SO.sub.4 F.sub.3 : C, 52.68, H, 3.19, N, 6.83. Found: C, 53.05, H, 3.19, N, 6.65.

Step 1: Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-methoxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (2.82 g, 16.5 mmol) in toluene (150 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 12.5 mL, 24.7 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 3-fluoro-4-methoxybenzonitrile (5 g, 33 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) was added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 20 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the reside was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (2/1). The combined filtrates were concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 1000 mL). The intermediate was filtered and washed with more hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid 3-fluoro-4-methoxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (3.95 g, 74%) was used in the next reaction without further purification: mp (DSC) 195.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.15 H.sub.15 N.sub.2 SO.sub.3 F: C, 55.89, H, 4.69, N, 8.69. Found: C, 55.92, H, 4.74, N, 8.53.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trif luoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 3-fluoro-4-methoxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide from Step 1 (4.15 g, 12.9 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2.16 g, 25.8 mmol) in isopropanol (150 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (4.8 mL, 45 mmol) was added. After heating the reaction mixture at 70.degree.-75.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent was removed. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture (7.8 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 7/3) to give 2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trif luoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (3.54 g, 64%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 210.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.18 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 SO.sub.4 F.sub.4.0.1 PhCH.sub.3 : C, 50.86, H, 3.83, N, 6.34. Found: C, 50.61, H, 3.64, N, 6.16.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluoromethy l)-1H-imidazole

A mixture of 2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trif luoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole from Step 2 (3.4 g, 7.9 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (700 rag) in toluene (200 mL) was heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture (3.6 g) was chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate (8/2) to give pure 2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-4-(trifluoromethy l)-1H-imidazole (2.12 g, 65%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 182.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.18 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 SO.sub.3 F.sub.4 : C, 52.17, H, 3.41, N, 6.76, S, 7.74. Found: C, 52.56, H, 3.65, N, 6.53, S, 8.01.

Step 1: Preparation of 1-bromo-3-phenylthio-2-propanone

1-Bromo-3-phenylthio-2-propanone is synthesized by reaction of thiophenol with 2,3-dichloropropene followed by treatment of the resulting product with aqueous NBS as described for Example 15.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(phenylthio)m ethyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (1 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2 mmol) in acetone (20 mL), 1-bromo-3-phenylthio-2-propanone (1.5 mmol) is added. After heating to reflux for 24 hours, the reaction mixture is filtered, washed with acetone and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-4-[(phenylthio)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-[(phenylthio)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H- imidazole

A mixture of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(phenylthio)m ethyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (1 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (100 mg) in toluene (70 mL) is heated to reflux for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using hexane/ethyl acetate to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(phenylthio)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl ]-1H-imidazole.

Step 1: Preparation of 1-bromo-3-(N-methyl-N-phenylamine)-2-propanone

1-Bromo-3-(N-methyl-N-phenylamine)-2-propanone is synthesized by reaction of N-methylaniline with 2,3-dichloropropene followed by treatment of the resulting product with aqueous NBS as described for Example 15.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4-[(N-methyl-N-phenylamino)methyl]-1-[4-(meth ylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (1 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2 mmol) in acetone (20 mL), 1-bromo-3-(N-methyl-N-phenylamine)-2-propanone from Step 1 (1.5 mmol) is added. After heating to reflux for 24 hours, the reaction mixture is filtered, washed with acetone and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4-[(N-methyl-N-phenylamine)methyl]-1-[4-(meth ylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro -1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(N-methyl-N-phenylamino)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl )phenyl]-1H-imidazole

A mixture of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4-[(N-methyl-N-phenylamine)methyl]-1-[4-(meth ylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (1 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (100 mg) in toluene (70 mL) is heated to reflux for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using hexane/ethyl acetate to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(N-methyl-N-phenylamine)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsul fonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazole.

Step 1: Preparation of 1-bromo-3-(2-quinolylmethoxy)-2-propanone

The compound 1-bromo-3-(2-quinolylmethoxy)-2-propanone is synthesized by reaction of 2-chloromethylquinoline with 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol followed by treatment of the resulting quinolylether with aqueous NBS.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl[-4-[(2-quinolylme thoxy)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (1 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2 mmol) in acetone (20 mL), 1-bromo-3-(2-quinolylmethoxy)-2propanone from Step 1 (1.5 mmol) is added. After heating to reflux for 24 hours, the reaction mixture is filtered, washed with acetone and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(2-quinolylmet hoxy)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(2-quinolylmethoxy)methyl ]-1H-imidazole

A mixture of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(2-quinolylme thoxy)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (1 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (100 mg) in toluene (70 mL) is heated to reflux for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using hexane/ethyl acetate to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-[(2-quinolylmethoxy )methyl]-1H-imidazole.

Step 1: Preparation of 1-bromo-3-methoxy-2-propanone

The compound 1-bromo-3-methoxy-2-propanone is synthesized by reaction of 2,3-dichloro-1-propene with sodium methoxide in methanol followed by treatment of the resulting product with aqueous NBS.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4-[methoxy)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)pheny l]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-chloro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Example 1, Step 1) (1 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2 mmol) in acetone (20 mL), 1-bromo-3-methoxy-2-propanone from Step 1 (1.5 mmol) is added. After heating to reflux for 24 hours, the reaction mixture is filtered, washed with acetone and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate) to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4-[methoxy)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)pheny l]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[methoxy)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imid azole

A mixture of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-4-[methoxy)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)pheny l]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole from Step 2 (1 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (100 mg) in toluene (70 mL) is heated to reflux for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using hexane/ethyl acetate to give 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4methoxy)methyl]-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-i midazole.

Step 1: Preparation of 4-fluoro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (10 mmol) in toluene (100 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 15 mmol) is added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 4-fluorobenzonitrile (20 mmol) in toluene (50 mL) is added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture is heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 20 hours, the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue is washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (2/1). The combined filtrates are concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid is stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 1000 mL). The intermediate is filtered and washed with more of hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid 4-fluoro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide is used in the next reaction without further purification.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-4,5 dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-fluoro-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (10 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (20 mmol) in isopropanol (100 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (20 mmol) is added. After heating the reaction mixture at 70.degree.-75.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent is removed. The residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions are combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 7/3) to give 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imida zole

A mixture of 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (10 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (1 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) is heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate to give pure 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imida zole.

Step 1: Preparation of N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (10 mmol) in toluene (100 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 15 mmol) is added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of benzonitrile (20 mmol) in toluene (50 mL) is added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture is heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 20 hours, the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue is washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (2/1). The combined filtrates are concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid is stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 1000 mL). The intermediate is filtered and washed with more of hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide is used in the next reaction without further purification.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (Step 1) (10 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (20 mmol) in isopropanol (100 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (20 mmol) is added. After heating the reaction mixture at 70.degree.-75.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent is removed. The residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions are combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 7/3) to give 4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenyl -4-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of 1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazole

A mixture of 4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihy dro-1H-imidazole (10 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (1 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) is heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate to give pure 1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazole.

Step 1: Preparation of 3-chloro-4-methoxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (10 mmol) in toluene (100 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 15 mmol) is added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 3-chloro-4-methoxybenzonitrile (20 mmol) in toluene (50 mL) is added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture is heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 20 hours, the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue is washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (2/1). The combined filtrates are concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid is stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 1000 mL). The intermediate is filtered and washed with more of hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid 3-chloro-4-methoxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide is used in the next reaction without further purification.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trif luoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 3-chloro-4-methoxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (10 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (20 mmol) in isopropanol (100 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (20 mmol) is added. After heating the reaction mixture at 70.degree.-75.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent is removed. The residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions are combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 7/3) to give 2-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trif luoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-1H-imidazole

A mixture of 2-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trif luoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (10 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (1 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) is heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate to give pure 2-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-1H-imidazole.

Step 1: Preparation of 4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (10 mmol) in toluene (100 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 15 mmol) is added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 4-methylbenzonitrile (20 mmol) in toluene (50 mL) is added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture is heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 20 hours, the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue is washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (2/1). The combined filtrates are concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid is stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 1000 mL). The intermediate is filtered and washed with more of hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid 4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide is used in the next reaction without further purification.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-(4-methylphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (10 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (20 mmol) in isopropanol (100 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (20 mmol) is added. After heating the reaction mixture at 70.degree.-75.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent is removed. The residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions are combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude mixture is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 7/3) to give 2-(4-methylphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-(4-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imida zole

A mixture of 2-(4-methylphenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethy l-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (10 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (1 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) is heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate to give pure 2-(4-methylphenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imida zole.

Step 1: Preparation of 4-(trifluoromethyl)-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (10 mmol) in toluene (100 mL), trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 15 mmol) is added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 4-trifluoromethylbenzonitrile (20 mmol) in toluene (50 mL) is added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture is heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 20 hours, the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue is washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (2/1). The combined filtrates are concentrated in vacuo and the resulting yellowish solid is stirred with a mixture of hexane/ether (2/1, 1000 mL). The intermediate is filtered and washed with more of hexane/ether (2/1). The pale yellow solid 4-(trifluoromethyl)-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide is used in the next reaction without further purification. Step 2; Preparation of 4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifl uoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole

To a mixture of 4-(trifluoromethyl)-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]benzenecarboximidamide (10 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (20 mmol) in isopropanol (100 mL), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (20 mmol) is added. After heating the reaction mixture at 70.degree.-75.degree. C. for 20 hours, the solvent is removed. The residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic fractions are combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product is chromatographed (silica gel, toluene/ethyl acetate, 7/3) to give 4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-trifluoromethytphenyl)-4-trifl uoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Step 3: Preparation of (1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethy l-1H-imidazole

A mixture of 4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifl uoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (10 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (1 mmol) in toluene (100 mL) is heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue is redissolved in methylene chloride and washed with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4), filtration and concentration in vacuo, the crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate to give pure 1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethyl -1H-imidazole.

To a clear solution of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imi dazole from Example 2 (400 mg, 1 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (8 mL) at 0.degree. C., n-BuMgCl (2M solution in THF, 2 mL, 4 mmol) was added over 10 minutes. After stirring for additional 10 minutes, ice bath was removed and solution stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was re-cooled to 0.degree. C. and triethylborane (1M solution in THF, 5 mL, 5 mmol) was added. After stirring for 2 hours, the reaction was heated to reflux for 48 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and treated with aqueous sodium acetate (1 g in 4 mL water). After stirring for 5 minutes, solid hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (1 g) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ether (2.times.250).The ethereal layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude solid (568 mg) was chromatographed [silica gel, ethyl acetate/toluene (3/7)] to give 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonam ide (260 mg, 65%): mp (DSC) 225.degree. C.

Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.11 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 Cl: C, 47.83, H, 2.76 N, 10.46, S, 7.98. Found: C, 48.00, H, 2.83, N, 10.14, S, 7.94.

To a clear solution of 2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl) -1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole (Example 16) (500 mg, 1.2 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) at 0.degree. C., n-BuMgCl (2M solution in THF, 2.4 mL, 4.8 mmol) was added over 10 minutes. After stirring for additional 10 minutes, ice bath was removed and solution stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was re-cooled to 0.degree. C. and triethylborane (1M solution in THF, 6 mL, 6 mmol) was added. After stirring for 2 hours, the reaction was heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and treated with aqueous sodium acetate (1 g in 4 mL water). After stirring for 5 minutes, solid hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (1 g) was added and the mixture stirred for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ether (2.times.250). The ethereal layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (710 mg) was chromatographed (silica gel, ethyl acetate/toluene 3/7) to give pure 4-[2-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide (180 mg, 36%) as a white solid: mp(DSC) 222.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.13 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 Cl: C, 49.10, H, 3.15, N, 10.11. Found: C, 49.42, H, 3.19, N, 9.75.

Step 1: Preparation of N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (6 g, 28.8 mmol) in toluene (150 ml) at 0.degree. C., trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 21.6 ml, 43.2 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 3-cyanopyridine (6 g, 57.6 mmol) in toluene (150 ml) was added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was heated to 90.degree.-95.degree. C. After 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol and later methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with ethyl acetate (1000 ml) and filtered. The pale yellow amidine (4.5 g, 34%) was used in the next reaction without further purification: mp (DSC) 265.degree. C. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.13 H.sub.14 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2 Cl.0.5H.sub.2 O: C, 48.67, H, 4.71, N, 13.10. Found: C, 48.34, H, 4.26, N, 12.77.

Step 2: Preparation of 3-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H -imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a mixture of the amidine of Step 1 (4.4 g, 16 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2.68 g, 32 mmol) in isopropanol (400 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (2.5 ml, 24 mmol) was added. After heating at 60.degree.-65.degree. C. for 36 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude mixture (16.2 g) was chromatographed [silica gel, ethyl acetate/acetone (98:2)] to give the compound (3.7 g, 60%) as a white solid. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.14 N.sub.3 SO.sub.3 F.sub.3.0.5 H.sub.2 O: C, 48.18, H, 3.92, N, 10.53. Found: C, 48.52, H, 3.61, N, 9.79.

Step 3: Preparation of 3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e

A mixture of the compound of step 2 (3.6 g, 9.35 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.52 g, 2.7 mmol) in toluene (280 ml) was heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate/acetone (98/2) to give pure 3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e (790 mg, 23%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 193.degree. C. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.12 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 : C, 52.30, H, 3.29, N, 11.44, S, 8.73. Found: C, 52.38, H, 3.26, N, 11.30, S, 8.76.

Step 1: Preparation of N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (6 g, 28.8 mmol) in toluene (150 ml) at 0.degree. C., trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 21.6 ml, 43.2 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 2-cyanopyridine (6 g, 57.6 mmol) in toluene (150 ml) was added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was heated to 85.degree.-90.degree. C. After 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol and later methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with ethyl acetate (1500 ml) and filtered. The pale yellow solid (5.2 g, 66%) was used in the next reaction without further purification.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a mixture of the amidine of step 1 (4.4 g, 16 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2.7 g, 32 mmol) in isopropanol (400 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (2.5 ml, 24 mmol) was added. After heating at 75.degree.-80.degree. C. for 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude product (16.2 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, ethyl acetate/toluene 1/1) to give 2-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine (1.1 g, 18%) as a white solid: mp 195.degree.-198.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.14 N.sub.3 SO.sub.3 F.sub.3 : C, 49.87, H, 3.66, N, 10.90. Found: C, 50.13 , H, 3.66, N, 10.30.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e

A mixture of 2-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine from step 2 (1.0 g, 2.6 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.2 g, 2.7 mmol) in toluene (100 ml) was heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture (1.2 g) was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate/toluene (1/1) to give pure 2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e (620 mg, 65%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 184.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.12 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 : C, 52.30, H, 3.29, N, 11.44. Found: C, 52.23, H, 3.23, N, 11.19.

Step 1: Preparation of N-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-4-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (10 g, 48.1 mmol) in toluene (250 ml) at 0.degree. C., trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 36.1 ml, 72.2 mmol) was added over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 4-cyanopyridine (10 g, 96.2 mmol) in toluene (250 ml) was added over 10 minutes and the mixture was heated to 70.degree. C. After 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol and later with methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with ethyl acetate and filtered. The pale yellow solid (4.8 g, 36%) was used in the next reaction without further purification. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.13 H.sub.14 N.sub.3 SClO.sub.2 H.sub.2 O: C, 47.34, H, 4.89, N, 12.74, S, 9.72. Found: C, 47.69, H, 4.35, N, 12.77, S, 9.74.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a mixture of the amidine of step 1 (4.75 g, 16 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2.86 g, 34.4 mmol) in isopropanol (400 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (2.7 ml, 26 mmol) was added. After heating at 75.degree.-80.degree. C. for 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude product (16.2 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, ethyl acetate/isopropanol (95/5)) to give 4-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine (1.55 g, 23%) as a white solid: mp 219.degree. C., Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.14 N.sub.3 SO.sub.3 F.sub.3 C, 49.87, H, 3.66, N, 10.90, S, 8.32. Found C, 49.93, H, 3.51, N, 10.79, S, 8.66.

Step 3: Preparation of 4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e

A mixture of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole of step 2 (0.85 g, 2.2 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.12 g) in toluene (150 ml) was heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate/acetone (96/4) to give pure 4-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridin e (330 mg, 41%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 197.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.12 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 : C, 52.30, H, 3.29, N, 11.44, S, 8.73. Found C, 52.19, H, 3.26, N, 11.25, S, 8.99.

Step 1: Preparation of 2-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (8.8 g, 42.3 mmol) in toluene (150 ml) at 0.degree. C., trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 42.3 ml, 84.6 mmol) was added over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2.5 hours. A solution of 6-methyl-4-cyanopyridine (10 g, 84.6 mmol) in toluene (150 ml) was added over 10 minutes and the mixture was heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol and later with methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with ethyl acetate and filtered. The pale yellow solid (9.8 g, 80%) was used in the next reaction without further purification. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.14 H.sub.15 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2.H.sub.2 O: C, 54.71, H, 5.57, N, 13.67. Found: C, 54.62, H, 5.24, N, 13.67.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-methyl-5-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a mixture of the amidine of Step 1 (9.8 g, 33.9 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (5.7 g, 67.8 mmol) in isopropanol (700 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (5.3 ml, 50.8 mmol) was added. After heating at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude material (25.7 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, ethyl acetate/acetone, 98/2) to give 2-methyl-5-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine (6.3 g, 46%) as a white solid: Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.16 N.sub.3 SO.sub.3 F.sub.3 : C, 50.55, H, 4.12, N, 10.40. Found: C, 50.51, H, 3.91, N, 10.25.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-methyl-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-y l]pyridine

A mixture of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole of step 2 (6.2 g, 15.5 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (1.6 g, 8.4 mmol) in toluene (550 ml) was heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture (8.2 g) was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate/acetone (98/2) to give pure 2-methyl-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-y l]pyridine (3.9 g, 66%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 163.degree. C. Anal Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.14 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 : C, 53.54, H, 3.70, N, 11.02, S, 8.41. Found: C, 53.12, H, 3.56, N, 11.00, S, 8.50.

Step 1: Preparation of 2-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-6-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (4.2 g, 20.3 mmol) in toluene (100 ml) at 0.degree. C., was added trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 12 ml, 24 mmol) over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. A solution of 6-methyl-2-cyanopyridine (3.6 g, 30.5 mmol) in toluene (100 ml) was added over 10 minutes and the mixture was heated to 85.degree.-90.degree. C. After 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol and later with methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with hexane and ethyl acetate (1000 ml) and filtered. The white solid (5.1 g, 87%) was used in the next reaction without further purification. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.14 H.sub.16 N.sub.3 SClO.sub.2 H.sub.2 O: C, 51.05, H, 5.02, N, 12.76. Found C, 50.97, H, 4.78, N, 12.80.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-methyl-6-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl)-4,5-d ihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a mixture of the amidine of Step 1 (4.9 g, 16.95 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2.85 g, 33.9 mmol) in isopropanol (300 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (2.65 ml, 25.4 mmol) was added. After heating at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude mixture (9 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, ethyl acetate/isopropanol/ammonium hydroxide 95/5/0.5) to give 2-methyl-6-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine (1.4 g, 21%) as a white solid: Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.16 N.sub.3 SO.sub.3 F.sub.3 : C, 51.12, H, 4.02, N, 10.52. Found: C, 51.43, H, 3.96, N, 10.06.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-methyl-6-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-y l]pyridine

A mixture of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole of step 2 (1.3 g, 3.26 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.26 g, 1.36 mmol) in toluene (200 ml) was heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture (1.56 g) was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate/acetone (98/2) to give pure 2-methyl-6-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-y l]pyridine (0.48 g, 38%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 205.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.14 N.sub.3 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 0.25H.sub.2 O: C, 52.91, H, 3.79, N, 10.89, S, 8.31. Found: C, 52.67, H, 3.55, N, 10.64, S, 8.68.

Step 1: Preparation of 5-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (10 mmol) in toluene (60 ml) at 0.degree. C., trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 10 ml, 20 mmol) is added over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. A solution of 5-methyl-2-cyanopyridine (20 mmol) in toluene (100 ml) is added over 10 minutes and the mixture is heated to 85.degree.-90.degree. C. After 24 hours, the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue is washed with a mixture of methylene chloride and methanol and later with methanol. The combined filtrates are concentrated and the resulting solid is stirred with a mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate (1000 ml) and filtered. The product obtained is used in the next reaction without further purification.

Step 2: Preparation of 3-methyl-6-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a mixture of the amidine of step 1 (10 mmol and sodium bicarbonate (20 mmol) in isopropanol (150 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (15 mmol) is added. After heating at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 24 hours, the reaction mixture is cooled and filtered. The residue is washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions are dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using mixtures of ethyl acetate, isopropanol and ammonium hydroxide as eluants to give the desired 4,5-dihydro-imidazole

Step 3: Preparation of 5-methyl-2-[1-[4-methylsulfonylphenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl -1H-imidazol -2-yl]pyridine

A mixture of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole of step 2 (10 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (2 mmol) in toluene (200 ml) is heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture is chromatographed on silica gel using mixtures of ethyl acetate and acetone as eluants to give the desired product.

Step 1: Preparation of 2-cyano-4-methylpyridine

To a suspension of 4-picoline N-oxide (13.64 g, 0.124 mole) in 82 ml of THF, under an inert atmosphere, was added trimethylsilyl cyanide (20.1 ml, 0.15 mole) followed by 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) (4.4 ml, 0.028 mole). After stirring at 25 .degree. C. for 12 hours, the reaction mixture was heated to reflux. After 4.5 hours, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude sample was eluted with methylene chloride through a pad of Florisil.RTM.. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to provide (8.7 g, 60%) of 2-cyano-4-methyl pyridine, a white crystalline solid: mp 88.degree.-89 .degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.7 H.sub.6 N.sub.2 : C, 71.17; H, 5.12; N, 23.71. Found: C, 70.71; H, 5.16; N, 23.44.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a solution of 4-methylsulfonyl aniline (7.62 g, 44.5 mmol) in 40 ml of 1,2-dichloroethane, was added 23.4 ml of a 1.9 H solution of triethylaluminum in toluene. After stirring for 1.5 hours at 0 .degree. C., 2-cyano-4-methyl-pyridine from step 1 (5.26 g, 44.5 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 20 hours and poured onto a pad of silica gel, in a fritted filter funnel, pre-wetted with 50% methanol/methylene chloride. The filtrates were evaporated under reduced pressure to provide 11.05 g (85%) of the desired amidine as a light brown solid: mp 180.degree.-184.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.14 H.sub.15 N.sub.3 O.sub.2 S: C, 58.11; H, 5.23; N, 14.52. Found: C, 57.56; H, 5.15; N, 14.35.

Step 3: Preparation of 4-methyl-2-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To the amidine of step 2 (12.9 g, 44.67 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (7.15 g, 85.1 mmol) in 1 L of propanol, 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoro-acetone (12.3 g, 64.4 mmol) was added. The mixture was heated to reflux. After 24 hours, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and brine. The organic extracts were dried (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to provide a dark brown oil which was flash chromatographed (SiO.sub.2, 5% isopropanol/methylene chloride) to provide 3.81 g (24%) of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole as a brown solid.

Step 4: Preparation of 4-methyl-2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2-y l]pyridine

To a suspension of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole of step 3 (3.82 g, 10.78 mmol) in 700 ml of toluene was added 0.62 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid. After heating at reflux for 12 hours, an additional 0.3 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid was added. After 12 hours, 2.7 ml of triethylamine was added and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to provide 5.17 g of crude compound. Crude compound was chromatographed twice (SiO.sub.2 ; 30% heptane/ethyl acetate) by HPLC to provide 563 mg of the targeted compound. Impure fractions containing the desired product were recombined and rechromatographed using HPLC (SiO.sub.2 ; 50% ethyl acetate/toluene) to provide an additional 639.5 mg of the desired compound. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.14 F.sub.3 N.sub.3 O.sub.2 S: C, 53.54; H, 3.70; N, 11.02; S, 8.41. Found: C, 53.21; H, 3.71; N, 10.77; S, 8.63.

Step 1: Preparation of 2;methoxy-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (1.8 g, 8.7 mmol) in toluene (50 ml) at 0.degree. C., trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 5.2 ml, 10.4 mmol) was added over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. A solution of 6-methoxy-3-cyanopyridine (1.75 g, 13 mmol) in toluene (100 ml) was added over 10 minutes and the mixture was heated to 85.degree.-90.degree. C. After 24 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride and methanol and later with methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated and the resulting yellowish solid was stirred with ethyl acetate (1000 ml) and filtered. The white solid (2 g, 75%) was used in the next reaction without further purification. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.14 H.sub.16 N.sub.3 SClO.sub.3.0.5 H.sub.2 O: C, 47.93, H, 4.88, N, 11.98. Found C, 48.01, H, 4.82, N, 11.32.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-methoxy-5-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4, 5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a mixture of the amidine of step 1 (1.9 g, 6.23 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (1.05 g, 12.46 mmol) in isopropanol (150 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (0.97 ml, 9.34 mmol) was added. After heating at 85.degree.-90.degree. C. for 48 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude mixture (4.25 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, methylene chloride/methanol/ammonium hydroxide, 95/5/0.5) to give the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole (1.1 g, 42%) as a white solid: Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.16 N.sub.3 SO.sub.4 F.sub.3.0.5 EtOAc: C, 49.67, H, 4.39, N, 9.15. Found: C, 49.80, H, 4.06, N, 9.33.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-methoxy-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine A mixture of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole of step 2 (0.8 g, 1.93 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.2 g, 1.04 mmol) in toluene (150 ml) was heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture (1.1 g) was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate/toluene (1/1) to give pure 2-methoxy-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine (0.38 g, 49%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 166.degree. Co Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.14 N.sub.3 SO.sub.3 F.sub.3 : C, 51.38, H, 3.55, N, 10.57. Found: C, 51.38, H, 3.25, N, 10.41.

To a clear solution of Example 33 (2.4 g, 6.3 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (60 ml) at 0.degree. C., n-BuMgCl (2M solution in THF, 15.7 ml, 31.5 mmol) was added over 10 minutes. After stirring for additional 20 minutes, the ice bath was removed and the solution was stirred for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was recooled to 0.degree. C. and triethylborane (1M solution in THF, 38 ml, 38 mmol) was added. After stirring for 1 hour, the reaction was heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and treated with aqueous sodium acetate (5.5 g in 22 ml water). After stirring for 5 minutes, solid hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (5.5 g) was added and the mixture stirred for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ethereal layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude solid (13.3 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, hexane/isopropanol, 7/3) to give 4-[2-(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide (298 mg, 12%): mp (DSC) 203.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.13 N.sub.4 SO.sub.2 F.sub.3 0.25H.sub.2 O: C, 49.68, H, 3.52 N, 14.48, S, 8.29. Found: C, 49.88, H, 3.39, N, 13.94, S, 8.47.

To a clear solution of Example 34 (10 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (60 ml) at 0.degree. C., n-BuMgcl (2M solution in THF, 25 ml, 50 mmol) is added over 10 minutes. After stirring for an additional 20 minutes, the ice bath is removed and the solution is stirred for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is recooled to 0.degree. C. and triethylborane (1M solution in THF, 60 ml, 60 mmol) is added. After stirring for 1 hour, the reaction is heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and treated with aqueous sodium acetate (5.5 g in 22 ml water). After stirring for 5 minutes, solid hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (5.5 g) is added and the mixture stirred for 24 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ethereal layer is dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude solid is chromatographed on silica gel using mixtures of hexane and isopropanol to give the desired product.

Step 1: Preparation of N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-pyridinecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 5.00 g (24.0 mmol) of 4-methylsulfonylaniline hydrochloride in 150 ml of toluene stirring in an ice bath under nitrogen, was added dropwise 18.0 ml (containing 36.0 mmol) of a 2M solution of trimethylaluminum in toluene. After stirring for 30 minutes, a solution of 3.75 g (36.0 mmol) of 2-cyanopyridine in 20 ml of toluene. The resulting solution was stirred overnight at room temperature, and then at 850 for four hours. After cooling, the toluene was decanted and evaporated. The residue was taken up in 150 ml of methylene chloride and added back to the reaction flask. Methanol (150 ml) was cautiously added, and the mixture was filtered through a bed of silica gel using 50--50 methanol/methylene chloride as eluent. Evaporation of the solvent gave the amidine (6.85 g) as a yellow solid, which was used in the next reaction without further purification.

Step 2: Preparation of 2-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridi ne

A mixture of the amidine of Step 1 (2.00 g, 7.27 mmol), 2-bromo-4'-fluoroacetophenone (3.16 g, 14.5 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (1.22 g, 14.5 mmol) in isopropanol (70 ml) was stirred at reflux for two days. After cooling, the solvent was evaporated. The residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and aqueous sodium chloride, and the aqueous layer further extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated. Chromatography of the residue over silica gel using 40% ethyl acetate/toluene followed by a second chromatography over silica gel using 40% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride as eluant gave 2-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridi ne (190 mg) as a light tan solid: m.p. 88.degree.-91.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd for C.sub.21 H.sub.16 FN.sub.3 O.sub.2 S (M.W. 393.44): C, 64.11;, H, 4.10, N, 10.68. Found: C, 63.80; H, 4.16, N, 10.23.

Step 1: Preparation of 5-methylnicotinic acid.

The 5-methylnicotinic acid was prepared by the method of E. P. Kyba et al., J. Org. Chem., 53, 3513-3521 (1988)]. To a solution of KMnO.sub.4 in water (1.1 L) was added lutidine (25.0 g, 0.233 mmol) and the mixture was stirred mechanically at 45.degree. C. overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled and filtered through Celite.RTM. to remove MnO.sub.2. The filtrate was concentrated to about 150 mL and acidified with a 2N HCl Solution. White solid precipitated and was removed by filtration and washed with water (2.times.50 mL). The filtrate and washing were evaporated to dryness. The residue was boiled with ethanol (200 mL) and filtered repeatedly. The combined filtrate was concentrated to give of 5-methylnicotinic acid as a white solid (14.8 g, 46%): mp 213.degree.-215.degree. C.

Step 2: Preparation of 5-methylpyridinylcarboxamide

A solution of 5-methyl-nicotinic acid from step 1 (14.5 g, 0,106 mmol) in 125 mL of thionyl chloride was heated to reflux for 5 hours. Excess thionyl chloride was removed by distillation and the residue was suspended in 75 mL of dichloroethane. Ammonia was bubbled into the mixture at -30.degree. C. for half hour and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Solvent was evaporated and the residue was treated with methanol and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was extracted with boiling hot ethyl acetate (3.times.150 mL) to separate product from ammonium chloride. The extracts were filtered and concentrated to afford 10.6 g of 5-methylnicotinamide as a brown solid (73%): mp 160.degree.-163.degree. C.

Step 3: Preparation of 3-Cyano-5-methylpyridine

To a suspension of 5-methyl-nicotinamide from step 2 (10.5 g, 0.077 mmol) in triethylamine (23.3 g, 0.23 mmol) and 400 mL of methylene chloride was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (21.0 g, 0.100 mmol) rapidly at 0.degree. C. The reaction was completed after a few minutes. Water was added and the aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine and dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give 9.18 g of 3-cyano-5-methylpyridine crude, which was used in the next step without purification.

Step 4: Preparation of 3-methyl-5-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (10.5 g, 0.051 mmol) in toluene (500 mL) was added trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 75.0 mL, 0.150 mmol) over 15 minutes at 0.degree. C. The reaction mixture was warmed up to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. A solution of 3-cyano-5-methylpyridine from step 3 in 90 mL of toluene was added over 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred at 85.degree.-90.degree. C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through a slurry of silica gel. After filtration, the residue was washed with methanol (800 mL). The combined filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was treated with a mixture of ether and hexane (2/1, 1000 mL). The brownish solid was filtered and washed with more ether and hexane to give 11.8 g of N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5methylnicotinamidine (80%). To a mixture of the above crude amidine (11.3 g, 0.039 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (9.83 g, 0.12 mmol) in isopropanol (400 mL) was added 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (11.2 g, 0.059 mmol) quickly at room temperature. After heating the reaction mixture at 75.degree.-80.degree. C. for 16 hours, the solvent was removed and the residue was partitioned between water and methylene chloride. The organic layers were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by chromatography on silica gel (ethyl acetate/acetone, 98:2) to give pure 3-methyl-5-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine as a yellow solid (3.85 g, 25%): mp (DSC) 237.degree.-239.degree. C; Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.16 F.sub.3 N.sub.3 O.sub.3 S: C, 51.12, H, 4.04, N, 10.52, S, 8.03. Found: C, 51.02, H, 3.94, N, 10.19, S, 8.11.

Step 5: Preparation of 3-methyl-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine

A mixture of 3-methyl-5-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine from step 4 (3.8 g, 0.0095 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.91 g, 0.0048 mmol) in 150 mL of toluene was heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between water and methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and the crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel (ethyl acetate/acetone, 98:2) to give 3-methyl-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine as a yellow solid (1.7 g, 47%): mp (DSC) 196.degree.-198.degree. C; Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.14 F.sub.3 N.sub.3 O.sub.2 S: C, 53.54, H, 3.70, N, 11.02, 8.41. Found: C, 53.50, H, 3.65, 10.82, S, 8.55.

To a stirred solution of the product of Example 36 (294.5 mg, 0.77 mmol) in 11 ml of freshly distilled THF at 0 .degree. C. was added 1.54 ml of butyl magnesium chloride (2.0M solution in THF) over a period of 6 minutes. After stirring at 25 .degree. C. for 2.5 hours, the reaction was cooled to 0 .degree. C. and 3.85 ml of triethylborane (1.0M solution in THF) was added over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at 25.degree. C. for 1.5 hours and heated to reflux. After 72 hours, the reaction mixture was diluted with 50 ml of ethyl acetate and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2.times.50 ml). The organic extracts were dried (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to provide 359 of an orange solid, which was flash chromatographed (SiO.sub.2 ; 40% toluene/ethyl acetate) to provide 68.1 mg of a light yellow solid. Preparative thin layer chromatography (SiO.sub.2 ; 50% ethyl acetate/toluene) of 22 mg of this material yielded 14 mg of 4-[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide: Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.13 F.sub.3 N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S: C, 50.26; H, 3.43; N, 14.65; S, 8.50. Found: C, 50.41; H, 3.37; N, 14.18; S, 8.51.

Step 1: Preparation of N-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-2-thiophenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline (10.4 g, 61.1 mmol) in toluene (400 ml) at 0.degree. C., trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 46.8 ml, 91.6 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. A solution of 2-thiophenecarbonitrile (10.0 g, 91.6 mmol) in toluene (200 ml) was added over 10 minutes and the mixture was heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 16 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol and later with methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated and the resulting yellow solid was stirred with ethyl acetate and filtered. The pale yellow solid (9.8 g, 57%) was used in the next reaction without further purification: m.p. (DSC) 182.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.12 H.sub.12 N.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.2 : C, 51.41, H, 4.31, N, 9.99, S, 22.87 Found C, 51.02, H, 4.37, N, 9.80, S, 22.93,

Step 2: Preparation of 2-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]thiophene

To a mixture of the amidine of step 1 (2.0 g, 7.1 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (1.2 g, 14.3 mmol) in isopropanol (200 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (1.1 ml, 10.7 mmol) was added. After heating at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 16 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude mixture (25.7 g) was chromatographed (silica gel, ethyl acetate/hexane 55/45) to give the 4,5-dihydroimidazole (1.1 g, 38%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 214.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.15 H.sub.13 N.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.3 F.sub.3 : C, 46.15, H, 3.36, N, 7.18, S, 16.43 Found C, 46.09, H, 3.26, N, 7.07, S, 16.71.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]thiophene

A mixture of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole of step 2 (0.60 g, 1.54 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.12 g, 0.63 mmol) in toluene (100 ml) was heated to reflux for 4.5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture (1.2 g) was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate/hexane 50/50 to give pure 2-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl) -1H-imidazol-2-yl]thiophene (0.47 g, 82%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 182.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.15 H.sub.11 N.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.2 F.sub.3 C, 48.38, H, 2.98, N, 7.52, S, 17.22 Found C, 48.36, H, 3.02, N, 7.42, S, 17.47.

Step 1: Preparation of N-[4 (methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-2-thiophenecarboximidamide

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl) aniline (3.3 g, 19.5 mmol) in toluene (200 ml) at 0.degree. C., trimethylaluminum (2M solution in toluene, 14.7 ml, 29.3 mmol) was added over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. A solution of 3-thiophenecarbonitrile (3.2 g, 29.3 mmol) in toluene (50 ml)was added over 10 minutes and the mixture was heated to 80.degree.-85.degree. C. After 16 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured over a slurry of silica gel in chloroform. After filtration, the residue was washed with a mixture of methylene chloride/methanol and later with methanol. The combined filtrates were concentrated and the resulting yellow solid was stirred with ethyl acetate and filtered. The pale yellow solid (2.7 g, 49%) was used in the next reaction without further purification: mp (DSC) 213 .degree. C., Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.12 H.sub.12 N.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.2 : C, 51.41, H, 4.31, N, 9.99, S, 22.87. Found C, 51.28, H, 4.06, N, 9.86, S, 23.14.

Step 2: Preparation of 3-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]thiophene

To a mixture of the amidine of step 1 (3.5 g, 12.5 mmol) and sodium bicarbonate (2.1 g, 25.0 mmol) in isopropanol (200 ml), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (1.96 ml, 18.7 mmol) was added. After heating at 80.degree.-85.degree. C. for 16 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The residue was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude material was chromatographed (silica gel, ethyl acetate/toluene (6/4)) to give 3-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]thiophene (1.7 g, 35%) as a white solid: mp (DSC) 226.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.15 H.sub.13 N.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.3 F.sub.3 : C, 46.15, H, 3.36, N, 7.18, S, 16.43. Found C, 46.56, H, 3.39, N, 7.01, S, 16.88.

Step 3: Preparation of 3-[1-[4/methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]thioph ene

A mixture of the 4,5-dihydro-imidazole of step 2 (1.5 g, 3.8 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.30 g, 1.5 mmol) in toluene (250 ml) was heated to reflux for 40 hours. An additional p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.15 g, 0.78 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture (3.5 g) was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate/toluene (55/45) to give pure 3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]thiop hene (0.90 g, 64%) as a white solid: mp 194.degree.-197.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.15 H.sub.11 N.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.2 F.sub.3 : C, 48.38, H, 2.98, N, 7.52, S, 17.22. Found C, 48.74, H, 2.98, N, 7.56, S, 17.45.

To a solution of 3-methyl-5-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine (Example 41) (1.9 mmol) in 25 mL of dry THF was added n-Bu.sub.4 MgCl (3.8 mL of 2.0M THF solution, 7.5 mmol) slowly at 0.degree. C. After stirring for additional 15 minutes, the solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was re-cooled to 0.degree. C. and triethylborane (9.5 mL of 1.0M THF solution, 9.5 mmol) was added. After stirring at for 2 hours, the mixture was heated to reflux for 72 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and treated with a solution of sodium acetate (2.3 g) in 10 mL of water. After stirring for 5 minutes, hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (2.3 g) was added and the mixture was stirred for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was extracted with ether (2.times.100 mL). The ethereal layer was dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel (isopropanol/toluene, 5:95) to give 0.07 g of 4-[2-(5-methylpyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl) -1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide as a colorless solid (8%): mp 242.degree.-243.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. For C.sub.16 H.sub.13 F.sub.3 N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S: C, 50.26, H, 3.43, N, 14.65, S, 8.39. Found: C, 50.02, H, 3.63, N, 14.26, S, 8.41.

Step 1: Preparation of 2-methylnicotinamide:

To a stirred mixture of 2-methylnicotinic acid (15.0 g, 0.111 mol) and 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (36.0 g, 0.222 mol) was added 300 mL of methylene chloride dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Ammonia gas was distilled into the reaction mixture for 30 minutes using a dry ice condenser and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for an additional hour. Solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue was dissolved with 500 mL of acetonitrile. The solution was concentrated to half volume at low temperature and the product precipitated out as white solid. The crude mixture was recrystallized from ethanol/ether to give 11.5 g of 2-methylnicotinamide as a colorless crystal (76%): mp 160.degree.-163.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. For C.sub.7 H.sub.8 N.sub.2 O: C, 61.75, H, 5.92, N, 20.57. Found: C, 61.44, H, 6.14, N, 20.66.

Step 2: Preparation of 3-cyano-2-methylpyridine:

To a suspension of 2-methylnicotinamide from step 1 (11.1 g, 0.081 mol) in triethylamine (24.8 g, 0.243 mol) and 400 mL of methylene chloride was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (21.0 g, 0.100 mol) rapidly at 0.degree. C. The reaction was complete after a few minutes at this temperature. Water was added and the aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine and dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (ethyl acetate/hexane, 1:1) to give 7.2 g of 3-cyano-2methylpyridine as a pale yellow solid (75%): mp(DSC) 56.degree.-58.degree. C.

Step 3: Preparation of 2-methyl-3-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine:

To a suspension of 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline hydrochloride (6.85 g, 0.040 mol) in dichloroethane (400 mL) was added triethylaluminum (1.9M solution in toluene, 32.0 mL, 60 mmol) over 15 minutes at 0.degree. C. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. A solution of 3-cyano-2-methylpyridine, from step 2, in 70 mL of dichloroethane was added over 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred at 75.degree. C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and treated with 50 g of silica gel. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and filtered. The filtrate and washings were concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was washed with ether to give 7.3 g of crude 2-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-pyridinecarboximidamide (60%). To a mixture of the above crude amidine (7.0 g, 0.024 mol) and sodium bicarbonate (4;0 g, 0.048 mol) in isopropanol (350 mL) was added 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (6.9 g, 0.036 mol) rapidly at room temperature. After heating the reaction mixture at 75.degree.-80.degree. C. for 16 hours, the solvent was removed and the residue was partitioned between water and methylene chloride. The organic layers were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by chromatography on silica gel (ethyl acetate/acetone, 98:2) to give 4.02 g of pure 2-methyl-3-[4-hydroxy-1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5 -dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine as a yellow solid (25%): mp (DSC) 237.degree.-239.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.16 F.sub.3 N.sub.3 O.sub.3 S: C, 51.12, H, 4.04, N, 10.52, S, 8.03. Found: C, 50.92, H, 4.12, N, 10.04, S, 7.83.

Step 4: Preparation of 2-methyl-3-[1-[4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-,trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine:

A mixture of 2-methyl -3-[4-hydroxy-1-[4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro- 1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine from step 3 (3.97 g, 0.01 mol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.60 g, 0.0032 mol) in 250 mL of toluene was heated to reflux for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between water and methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and the crude product was purified by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane to give 2.8 g of 2-methyl-3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2- yl]pyridine (73%): mp 160.degree.-161.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.14 F.sub.3 N.sub.3 O.sub.2 S: C, 53.54, H, 3.70, N, 11.02, 8.41. Found: C, 53.58, H, 3.88, 11.02, S, 8.51.

Step 1: Preparation of 2-methyl-3.-[1-[4-[[2(trimethylsilyl)ethyl]sulfonyl]phenyl]-4-(trifluorome thyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine

To a solution of diisopropylamine (0.7 mL, 0.005 mol) in 9 mL of dry THF was added butyllithium (BuLi) (2.83 mL of 1.62M solution in hexane, 4.6 mmol) at 0.degree. C. The solution was stirred at this temperature for 5 minutes and cooled to -78.degree. C. with a dry ice/isopropanol bath. A solution of 2-methyl-3-[1-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2 -yl]pyridine (Example 46) (1.46 g, 3.8 mmol) in 12 mL of dry THF was added over 10 minutes and the reaction mixture was stirred at -78.degree. C. for 1 hour. (Iodomethyl)trimethylsilane (1.23 g, 57 mmol) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and was stirred overnight. The reaction was quenched with 50 mL of 1N HCl and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3.times.60 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated. The crude mixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel (ethyl acetate/hexane, 65:35) to give 1.30 g of 2-methyl-3-[1-[4-[[2-(trimethylsilyl) ethyl]sulfonyl]phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl) -1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine as a white solid (74%): mp(DSC) 155.degree.-157.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.21 H.sub.24 F.sub.3 N.sub.3 O.sub.2 SSi: C, 53.94; H, 5.17; N, 8.99; S, 6.86. Found: C, 53.77; H, 4.94; N, 8.75; 6.98.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[2-(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesul fonamido:

To a solution of 2-methyl-3-[1-[4-[[2(trimethylsilyl)ethyl]sulfonyl]phenyl]-4-(trifluoromet hyl) -1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyridine from Step 1 (0.234 g, 0.0005 mol) in 1.5 mL of dry THF was added n-Bu.sub.4 NF (1.5 mL of 1.0M THF solution, 1.5 mmol). The mixture was heated to reflux for 1 hour and cooled to room temperature. A solution of sodium acetate (0.19 g, 2.3 mmol) in 3 mL of water and hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (0.28 g, 2.5 mmol) were added sequentially and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. Water (7 mL) and ethyl acetate (7 mL) were added. The organic phase was separated and washed with sat. NaHCO.sub.3 solution, water, and brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4 and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (ethyl acetate/acetone, 95:5) to give 0.16 g of 4-[2-(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesu lfonamide as a colorless solid (84%): mp 235.degree.-237.degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.13 F.sub.3 N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S: C, 50.26; H, 3.43; N, 14.65; S, 8.39. Found: C, 50.06; H, 3.29; N, 14.44; S, 8.52.

3-[1-[4-[[2(Trimethylsilyl)ethyl]sulfonyl]phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-im idazol -2-yl]pyridine was prepared from Example 30 with a method similar to that described in Example 48, Step 1. To a solution of 3-[1-[4-[[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl]sulfonyl]phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H- imidazol-2-yl]pyridine (0.200 g, 0.46 mmol) in 1.0 mL of dry THF was added n-Bu.sub.4 NF (1.38 mL of 1.0H THF solution, 1.38 mmol). The mixture was heated to reflux for 1 hour and cooled to room temperature. A solution of sodium acetate (0.17 g, 2.1 mmol) in 3 mL of water and hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (0.26 g, 2.3 mmol) were added sequentially and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. Water (7 mL) and ethyl acetate (7 mL) were added. The organic phase was separated and washed with saturated NaHCO.sub.3 solution, water, brine, dried over HgSO.sub.4 and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (ethyl acetate/acetone, 95:5) to give 0.147 g of 4-[2-(pyridin-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e as a colorless solid (87%): mp(DSC) 213.degree.-215 .degree. C. Anal. Calc'd. for C.sub.15 H.sub.11 F.sub.3 N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S: C, 48.91; H, 3.01; N, 15.21; S, 8.71. Found: C, 48.58; H, 2.99; N, 14.87; S, 8.85.

The following imidazole derivatives could be prepared by the procedure described in Example 28 or

EXAMPLE 49 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 50 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 51 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonami de;

EXAMPLE 52 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

EXAMPLE 53 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-naphthyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 54 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benz enesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 55 4-[2,4-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 56 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

EXAMPLE 57 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(methoxy)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfon amide;

EXAMPLE 58 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(3fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamid e;

EXAMPLE 59 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(4-chlorophenoxy) methyl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 60 4-[2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 61 4-[2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 62 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(phenylthio)methyl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfon amide;

EXAMPLE 63 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(N-methyl-N-phenylamine)methyl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 64 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(2quinolylmethoxy)methyl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 65 4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxymethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 66 4-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonam ide;

EXAMPLE 67 4-[2-phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 68 4-[2-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benze nesulfonamide;

EXAMPLE 69 4-[2-(4-methylphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonam ide; and

EXAMPLE 70 4-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzen esulfonamide.

The following imidazole derivative could be prepared by the procedure described in Example 30:

Rat Carrageenan Foot Pad Edema Test

The carrageenan foot edema test was performed with materials, reagents and procedures essentially as described by Winter, et al., (Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med., 111, 544 (1962)). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected in each group so that the average body weight was as close as possible. Rats were fasted with free access to water for over sixteen hours prior to the test. The rats were dosed orally (1 mL) with compounds suspended in vehicle containing 0.5% methylcellulose and 0.025% surfactant, or with vehicle alone. One hour later a subplantar injection of 0.1 mL of 1% solution of carrageenan/sterile 0.9% saline was administered and the volume of the injected foot was measured with a displacement plethysmometer connected to a pressure transducer with a digital indicator. Three hours after the injection of the carrageenan, the volume of the foot was again measured. The average foot swelling in a group of drug-treated animals was compared with that of a group of placebo-treated animals and the percentage inhibition of edema was determined (Otterness and Bliven, Laboratory Models for Testing NSAIDs, in Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, (J. Lombardino, ed. 1985)). The % inhibition shows the % decrease from control paw volume determined in this procedure and the data for selected compounds in this invention are summarized in Table I.

Rat Carrageenan-induced Analgesia Test

The rat carrageenan analgesia test was performed with materials, reagents and procedures essentially as described by Hargreaves, et al., (Pain, 32, 77 (1988)). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated as previously described for the Carrageenan Foot Pad Edema test. Three hours after the injection of the carrageenan, the rats were placed in a special plexiglass container with a transparent floor having a high intensity lamp as a radiant heat source, positionable under the floor. After an initial twenty minute period, thermal stimulation was begun on either the injected foot or on the contralateral uninjected foot. A photoelectric cell turned off the lamp and timer when light was interrupted by paw withdrawal. The time until the rat withdraws its foot was then measured. The withdrawal latency in seconds was determined for the control and drug-treated groups, and percent inhibition of the hyperalgesic foot withdrawal determined. Results are shown in Table I.

The compounds of this invention exhibited inhibition in vitro of COX-2. The COX-2 inhibition activity of the compounds of this invention illustrated in the Examples was determined by the following methods.

a. Preparation of recombinant COX baculoviruses

Recombinant COX-1 and COX-2 were prepared as described by Gierse et al, [J. Biochem., 305, 479-84 (1995)]. A 2.0 kb fragment containing the coding region of either human or murine COX-1 or human or murine COX-2 was cloned into a BamH1 site of the baculovirus transfer vector pVL1393 (Invitrogen) to generate the baculovirus transfer vectors for COX-1 and COX-2 in a manner similar to the method of D. R. O'Reilly et al (Baculovirus Expression Vectors: A Laboratory Manual (1992)). Recombinant baculoviruses were isolated by transfecting 4 .mu.g of baculovirus transfer vector DNA into SF9 insect cells (2.times.10.sup.8) along with 200 ng of linearized baculovirus plasmid DNA by the calcium phosphate method. See M. D. Summers and G. E. Smith, A Manual of Methods for Baculovirus Vectors and Insect Cell Culture Procedures, Texas Agric. Expo Station Bull. 1555 (1987). Recombinant viruses were purified by three rounds of plaque purification and high titer (10.sup.7 -10.sup.8 pfu/ml) stocks of virus were prepared. For large scale production, SF9 insect cells were infected in 10 liter fermentors (0.5.times.10.sup.6/ ml) with the recombinant baculovirus stock such that the multiplicity of infection was 0.1. After 72 hours the cells were centrifuged and the cell pellet homogenized in Tris/Sucrose (50 mM: 25%, pH 8.0) containing 1% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS). The homogenate was centrifuged at 10,000.times. G for 30 minutes, and the resultant supernatant was stored at -80.degree. C. before being assayed for COX activity.

b. Assay for COX-1 and COX-2 activity

Cox activity was assayed as PGE.sub.2 formed/.mu.g protein/time using an ELISA to detect the prostaglandin released. CHAPS-solubilized insect cell membranes containing the appropriate COX enzyme were incubated in a potassium phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 8.0) containing epinephrine, phenol, and heme with the addition of arachidonic acid (10 .mu.M). Compounds were pre-incubated with the enzyme for 10-20 minutes prior to the addition of arachidonic acid. Any reaction between the arachidonic acid and the enzyme was stopped after ten minutes at 37.degree. C/room. temperature by transferring 40 .mu.l of reaction mix into 160 .mu.l ELISA buffer and 25 .mu.M indomethacin. The PGE.sub.2 formed was measured by standard ELISA technology (Cayman Chemical). Results are shown in Table II.

Also embraced within this invention is a class of pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula I in association with one or more non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers and/or diluents and/or adjuvants (collectively referred to herein as "carrier" materials) and, if desired, other active ingredients. The compounds of the present invention may be administered by any suitable route, preferably in the form of a pharmaceutical composition adapted to such a route, and in a dose effective for the treatment intended. The compounds and composition may, for example, be administered intravascularly, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or topically.

For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of, for example, a tablet, capsule, suspension or liquid. The pharmaceutical composition is preferably made in the form of a dosage unit containing a particular amount of the active ingredient. Examples of such dosage units are tablets or capsules. The active ingredient may also be administered by injection as a composition wherein, for example, saline, dextrose or water may be used as a suitable carrier.

The amount of therapeutically active compound that is administered and the dosage regimen for treating a disease condition with the compounds and/or compositions of this invention depends on a variety of factors, including the age, weight, sex and medical condition of the subject, the severity of the disease, the route and frequency of administration, and the particular compound employed, and thus may vary widely. The pharmaceutical compositions may contain active ingredient in the range of about 0.1 to 2000 mg, preferably in the range of about 0.5 to 500 mg and most preferably between about 1 and 100 mg. A daily dose of about 0.01 to 100 mg/kg body weight, preferably between about 0.1 and about 50 mg/kg body weight and most preferably between about 1 to 20 mg/kg body weight, may be appropriate. The daily dose can be administered in one to four doses per day.

For therapeutic purposes, the compounds of this invention are ordinarily combined with one or more adjuvants appropriate to the indicated route of administration. If administered per os, the compounds may be admixed with lactose, sucrose, starch powder, cellulose esters of alkanoic acids, cellulose alkyl esters, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, magnesium oxide, sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and sulfuric acids, gelatin, acacia gum, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and/or polyvinyl alcohol, and then tableted or encapsulated for convenient administration. Such capsules or tablets may contain a controlled-release formulation as may be provided in a dispersion of active compound in hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. Formulations for parenteral administration may be in the form of aqueous or nonaqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions or suspensions. These solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders or granules having one or more of the carriers or diluents mentioned for use in the formulations for oral administration. The compounds may be dissolved in water, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, benzyl alcohol, sodium chloride, and/or various buffers. Other adjuvants and modes of administration are well and widely known in the pharmaceutical art.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, the details of these embodiments are not to be construed as limitations.